How to Prevent Cavities: All You Need to Know
Cavities are no walk in the park. However, preventing them can be. And there are a plethora of different methods that allow you to do that. Some of which simply involve a good oral hygiene routine. If you really want to go a step further and guarantee yourself a cavity-free smile, you can ask your dentist about preventive dental services, such as professional teeth cleaning. If you’d be interested in professional dental cleaning or perhaps a simple dental exam, you can visit this website and schedule an appointment.
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Ways to Prevent Cavities at Home
As we’ve mentioned, there are a lot of ways to prevent cavities, and many of them involve simple habits you can incorporate into your daily routine. So, here’s what you can do to keep the cavities away.
Regular Brushing
Brushing your teeth properly and regularly is the first step to good oral health. The general consensus is that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. However, if you’re able to, you should brush them after each meal. And, you should always brush using fluoride toothpaste. As far as toothbrushes go, you can opt for a regular toothbrush or an electric one. Brushing only your front teeth isn’t enough; you should always brush all the sides of your teeth for the most favorable results.
Flossing
Flossing and brushing go hand in hand. While brushing removes the plaque from your teeth, flossing can help get rid of food debris stuck in between your teeth. Not removing the debris can lead to cavity formation. That’s why you should floss every day, preferably after every meal.
Healthy Diet
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, and the same can be said for the dentist. Proper nutrition can greatly impact your oral health. Avoiding sugary foods and beverages and replacing them with nutritious ones can prevent plaque formation, which in turn prevents cavities.
Rinsing Your Mouth
By using a mouth rinse, you are essentially disinfecting your mouth. And many antimicrobial mouth rinses also help with reducing plaque. You can also use salt water as a mouth rinse as well. Rinsing is recommended both after brushing and after having a meal.
Chewing Gum
Sugarless gum can actually help with cavity prevention. By increasing the saliva flow, sugarless gum can aid you in putting a stop to those pesky cavities. Just be sure to look for the Seal of Acceptance given by the American Dental Association on the gum packaging. If the packaging has the seal of approval, you’re good to go.
Ways to Prevent Cavities With Dentist Assistance
Regular visits to the dentist are crucial to preventing cavities. That is due to the fact that certain cavities can only be detected by a professional or via dental x-ray. Not only that, but regular cleanings and check-ups can help you be a few steps ahead and avoid cavities entirely. And your dentist can always provide you with new tips and advice, depending on your situation. Here are some of the things you can ask your dentist about with the goal of cavity prevention.