Dental Tips: How to Prevent Cavities

Cavities, which are also known as tooth decay, are the destruction of tooth structure and can affect both the enamel and the dentin layer of the tooth. Cavities occur when foods that contain sugars and starches combine with plaque, a sticky substance that forms on teeth.

This combination produces acids that attack on the tooth enamel. Cavities are the second most prevalent disease in the US, which fortunately, can easily be prevented with a few easy steps.

• Brush your teeth - You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, also with toothpaste that contains fluoride.
• Floss - Flossing daily, throughout the day, is the best way to remove food debris that gets caught in between teeth.
• Nutrition - Eating well balanced, nutritious meals, limiting snacks and sugary drinks will help prevent plaque from forming on your teeth.
• Visit your dentist - Most cavities require a dentist or x-ray to be detected. Visiting your dentist on a regular basis for oral exams and cleanings will be a key factor in cavity prevention.
• Sealants - Sealants are a plastic protective coating that is applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth to shield against bacteria and plaque.
• Mouthrinse - Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouth rinse has clinically shown to reduce plaque. Rinse after brushing or eating can aid in prevention of cavities.

References:

• About.com; dentistry.about.com/od/dentalhealth/tp/preventing_cavities.htm (accessed 10/18/2012).
• WebMD; www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tooth-decay-prevention (accessed 10/18/2012).