Your teeth are an integral part of your health. Cavity prevention is one of the best skills to master when it comes to oral health. If you’re wondering how to not get cavities, this guide is for you. We’ve rounded up the best ways to prevent cavities from forming.
From rinsing your mouth to seeing your dentist regularly, these tips can greatly reduce your chances of getting a cavity. Here’s everything you need to know about how to keep your mouth fresh and healthy.
1. See Your Dentist Regularly
While brushing your teeth is important, the best way to prevent cavities is by visiting your dentist. Professional cleaning is the best way to get rid of tartar and plaque that your toothbrush misses. You should be seeing your dentist twice a year or more if directed.
In addition to regular cleanings, your dentist will survey your mouth for potential problems. They can spot cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues that can cause pain or worse down the road. Your doctor will come up with a plan to treat any issues. They will also keep an eye on any serious conditions that need follow up.
Your dentist can fill cavities, recommend a root canal, or help you with a dental crown, for example. They also know when a cavity is on the verge of forming. Most people brushing at home, wouldn’t know how to treat these conditions. This is why seeing your dentist matters.
2. Floss Often
Does flossing prevent cavities? Flossing does wonders for your dental hygiene. Floss will remove food particles, plaque, and more from in between your teeth. Cavities can also form in places where your toothbrush can’t reach. Your gum line can also be missed by the bristles on your toothbrush.
Brushing can help lift plaque and get the food that becomes lodged down. While brushing is great, a combination of brushing and flossing is the best way to fight a cavity. For the deepest clean possible, floss every day.
3. Brush Your Teeth Everyday
Brushing your teeth is critical to fighting cavities. When it comes to the best toothpaste to prevent cavities, speak with your dentist. Different types of toothpaste can help with any number of problems.
More important than the type of toothpaste you use, is how often you brush. Make sure you’re brushing every morning and every evening. If possible, it’s also helpful to brush your teeth after every meal. Brushing your teeth will help to keep sugar, plaque, and bacteria off of your teeth and gums. This is where cavities will form and grow worse if left untreated.
4. Rinse Your Mouth
After you eat a meal full of sugar, make sure to rinse your mouth with water. Water can help wipe away anything left on your teeth or gums. You’ll also want to use a mouthwash twice a day.
Over the counter, mouthwash will help fight tooth decay, prevent cavities, and kill bacteria. If you need a more heavy-duty mouthwash, speak with your dentist about a prescription mouthwash. Check the label on your over the counter mouthwash to make sure it does more than just give you fresher breath.
5. Watch What You Eat
Wondering how to not get cavities? Think about your diet. Your diet can actually help keep your teeth in better shape. Eating fruits and vegetables, for example, can help to stimulate saliva. This will help flush sugar and bacteria off of your teeth while you eat. Unsweetened coffee or tea can also help rinse food off of your teeth.
Avoid eating sugary candy, sticky foods, cookies, and chips. These foods can stick to your teeth and in between the cracks causing bacteria and cavities to grow. When you do indulge in those foods, make sure to brush your teeth. Brushing after eating will help to remove the leftover food particles and prevent cavities.
If you are looking for a treat, unsweetened mints or gum will also increase saliva production. The best foods you can eat for your teeth are fresh fruits and vegetables. These will help your teeth naturally clean themselves.
6. Drink Plenty of Water
Water is one of the best ways to fight cavities. Water not only rinses food and bacteria off of your teeth but it also contains fluoride. Tap water is the best source of fluoride so be sure to mix this in, so you aren’t always drinking water from a bottle. While you may think water bottles are better for you, good quality, city water, contains a healthy dose of fluoride.
When you can’t get to a bathroom and brush your teeth, make sure you rinse your mouth with water. Water will help flush away debris and fight plaque. Water is a free and easy way to prevent cavities. Take a quick sip, rinse, and wash your mouth for a fresh and easy way to fight cavities.
7. Sealant or Antibacterial Treatment
If you have cavities in your teeth already, you might be prone to getting cavities in the future. To help fight this, ask your dentist if a dental sealant could be helpful. Dental sealants will help put a coating over your teeth to protect against food. You’ll seal off the cracks and open places where bacteria and food particles become stuck.
If you have a higher risk of tooth decay or cavities, an antibacterial treatment can help. These treatments often come as an antibacterial mouth wash. Speak with your dentist if one of these rinses or treatments would be right for you.
Cavity Prevention 101
When it comes to cavity prevention, there are a few easy things you can do to help. From going to see your dentist to brushing your teeth and flossing, these great tips can help keep cavities at bay. For more great resources and guides, check out the healthy teeth section here for more tips.
