How to Prevent Cavities: What You Should Know
Whether you are 5 or 75, a trip to the dentist leads to a celebration when you hear the phrase, no cavities! Learning how to prevent cavities can give you a chance to celebrate every six months thanks to a pat on the back from your dentist.
Nobody wants to have to return to the dentist for further treatment due to a cavity - and once you have it, it cannot be reversed. So, to keep your mouth healthy and thriving, this is what you should know.
Preventing Cavities: The Basics
There is a good chance you have already been taught how to prevent cavities. But, just in case you need a reminder, making the following steps routine can greatly reduce your chance of cavities.
Brush Your Teeth Two Times Per Day. Technically, brushing your teeth after every meal gives you a great defense against cavities. Though this isn’t always feasible. That is why most dentists agree that brushing your teeth at a minimum of twice per day is a great way to deter cavities.
Make brushing your teeth in the morning and at night a part of your daily routine.
Floss Your Teeth Daily. Flossing is great for removing food particles and debris that are stuck between the teeth, but it also removes plaque between the teeth - and just below the gum line. This keeps cavities from having a convenient place to form.
Swish With Mouthwash Daily. There are many different mouthwashes on the market. Find one that has fluoride and is ADA approved. Swish and rinse with the mouthwash after brushing and flossing, 1 -2 times per day. The fluoride will kill off bacteria that can lead to cavities while also giving your enamel extra strength to make it difficult for cavities to form.
Get Dental Cleanings Every 6 Months. Professional dental cleanings give you a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that your regular brushing cannot handle. This is also the perfect time for your dentist to examine your teeth and address any issues early.
Go the Extra Mile With Your Cavity Protection
What if there were steps you could take that go beyond basic care to ensure that you are protected as much as possible from cavities? If you are wanting to go the extra mile, here are a few things you can do.
Pay Attention to the Foods You Consume. Eating things like nutritious fruits and vegetables are good for your teeth. However, sugary food and beverages are not. Limit the amount of sugar you are consuming - and always brush your teeth after eating them.
Invest in an Electric Toothbrush. Although a regular toothbrush will work just fine, research shows that using an electric toothbrush can remove particles and plaque from teeth much better than brushing manually.
Consider a Water Pik. A water pik does the job of flossing - only better. Pressurized water gets sprayed between and around teeth to remove plaque. This is great for those hard-to-reach places.
Learn More About Cavity Prevention from Dr. Ricco
Your dentist and dental team at the Ricco Dental Group is a great resource for learning about cavity prevention. Be sure to ask for recommendations for keeping your mouth healthy and your oral hygiene on track.
Call our office today at 516-931-3999 to schedule your appointment. Or, request an appointment online.
