Preventing Cavities Has Never Been Easier: 6 Daily Practices To Never Have a Cavity Again

Affordable Las Vegas Cosmetic Dentistry

Cavities are a pain! And almost everyone over the age of twenty has had at least one. In fact, tooth decay is the most common oral disease in the world, and cavities are the number one contributors to tooth decay. Given the alarming prevalence of cavities, it is no wonder that dentists make their prevention a priority.

Preventing cavities does not have to be a major chore or worry. In fact, if you follow these 6 daily practices, you won’t  ever have to worry about cavities again.

One: Brush Your Teeth Twice A Day

Good oral hygiene is essential to preventing cavities. Any effective hygienic regimen starts with brushing your teeth twice a day – once in the morning and once before bed. Brushing your teeth for about 2 to 3 minutes with a dentist recommended toothpaste (preferably one containing a fluoride solution) cleans your teeth by removing food debris and bacteria, called plaque. 

Cavities are a buildup of plaque that has hardened to the teeth and attacked the teeth with acid that causes erosion and pockets. By brushing your teeth twice a day, you are removing plaque and the food particles that plaque needs to grow. The overachievers of oral hygiene will even brush their teeth after every meal to remove food and bacteria as quickly as possible – leaving no chance for a cavity to form.

Two: Floss Daily

The second essential to an effective oral hygiene routine is to floss at least once a day. Your teeth have 5 surfaces that are vulnerable to cavities and flossing (or using some other interdental cleaning tool) is the only way to clean the two of those surfaces and prevent cavities from these very small spaces. While brushing your teeth cleans the front, back and chewing surfaces of your teeth, flossing is the only way to reach the surfaces that are between each tooth and clean out the pocket that is created at the base of the gum.

This means that flossing accounts for 40% of your cavity prevention.

Three: Mouthwash

The third tool in your oral hygiene kit is mouthwash. Using mouthwash twice a day after you brush your teeth is a great way to kill germs and bacteria that may have been left in your mouth after brushing. Make sure to follow the instructions that come with your mouthwash to ensure that you are rinsing effectively. 

Most mouthwash directs you to swish about 30ml of liquid for 30 seconds. By doing this, your mouthwash will kill cavities producing plaque, germs and food leaving your mouth clean and fresh.

Four: Drink Plenty Of Water

There are many benefits to drinking water and staying hydrated when it comes to preventing cavities. For one, by drinking water throughout the day you are constantly rinsing your mouth in a way that can dislodge and remove sugars and food debris that plaque feeds upon.

Additionally, hydrating with water (not soda, coffee, alcohol, or another sugary drink) encourages saliva production. Saliva keeps your mouth moist, as the body’s natural mouthwash. The components and electrolytes found in your saliva are used to break down food to start the digestive process and to kill bacteria. As a result, the more saliva you have in your mouth the more defense you have against plaque and cavities.

Five: Avoid Snacking In Between Meals

If you are constantly eating and drinking (other than water) throughout the day and snacking between meals, you are introducing more sugar and food particles to your mouth that bacteria feed on. In addition, the acids that come from these snacks and drinks can have their own effect on your teeth, causing tooth decay.

By snacking in between meals, your teeth will be constantly under attack and cavities may result. When you eat and drink during a full meal, your saliva production will be at a peak which will combat the foods and acids that are being introduced–therefore reducing the risk of bacteria growth.

Six: Eat Healthy

Your diet does matter. Sugar is the greatest catalyst to bacteria growth and cavities. To prevent cavities it is important to limit your sugar intake through food and drink. Sweets, candies, and gum are huge culprits for causing cavities. It is best to avoid these foods as much as possible.

If you are to eat sugary and acidic foods and drinks make sure to brush your teeth afterward and try to eat these foods well before bed time. Foods eaten at night before bed can cause the greatest cavity risks because of their ability to leave food debris in  your mouth all night. 

Cavities are some of the most common health issues in the world. You do not have to be  a victim of cavities. For further prevention and treatment, schedule a teeth cleaning with Summer Dental, Las Vegas.  Same day appointments are available today by calling (702) 852-2829.

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