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Cavities are a common problem that affects 90% of American adults, but they are preventable. Maintaining proper oral hygiene and certain lifestyle choices can help keep your teeth healthy and free from dental caries.
However, remember that no oral care product can provide a miracle cure. You must use them consistently with the appropriate techniques if you want to lower your risk for cavities.
Here are some effective and dentist-approved cavity prevention tips:
When it comes to fighting cavities, toothpaste is a powerful ally, delivering key ingredients directly to tooth enamel.
These ingredients fortify both your enamel and the underlying dentin in a process called remineralization, making them more resistant to decay.
This process is essential for cavity prevention. Cavities form through a softening and weakening process called demineralization.
Remineralizing toothpastes reverse this damage by strengthening your teeth and preventing more cavities from forming.
Some well-known cavity-fighting ingredients include:
Boka Ela Mint is a popular fluoride-free remineralizing toothpaste but if you’re comfortable using fluoride, go with Sensodyne Pronamel.
While floss itself doesn't have cavity-fighting ingredients, daily flossing is crucial in preventing plaque buildup, a major cause of decay.
It's important to choose the best floss for your teeth. If you have wider gaps between your teeth, a thicker floss will provide a more thorough clean.
For those with dental crowding, a thinner floss is ideal as it can easily navigate tight spaces between teeth.
You should consider alternatives to dental floss if you have physical limitations that make flossing difficult. These include floss picks, water flossers (Waterpik), and interdental brushes.
The best mouth rinses loosen dental plaque, kill bacteria, and freshen breath. Some may even contain fluoride to remineralize teeth.
If you incorporate a fluoride mouthwash into your routine, it's best to use it after brushing and flossing. This ensures that the fluoride stays longer on your teeth, so you can maximize its cavity-protecting benefits.
PhosFlur by Colgate is a highly recommended over-the-counter mouthwash for cavity prevention. The product used to be available by prescription only. However, it’s now sold in most pharmacies and grocery stores.
Certain diets can increase your risk for cavities. Usually, it’s the sugary foods and simple carbohydrates that are the culprit.
This is because the bacteria in your mouth metabolize these foods into sugars, creating an acid that weakens your tooth enamel.
It's best to limit sugary snacks and drinks like candy, cookies, and soda. Avoid foods that stick to your teeth as they can attract bacteria.
Instead, prioritize eating foods rich in calcium and fiber, such as cheese, nuts, and leafy greens. These minerals can strengthen the tooth enamel.
Regular dental visits are essential for preventing cavities. During checkups and cleanings, your dentist can catch cavities early on and treat them to prevent them from getting worse.
They can also recommend additional measures, such as sealants or fluoride varnishes, and offer personalized advice based on your individual needs. Remember that professional guidance is key to preventing cavities.
Smoking and using oral tobacco products significantly raise your risk of cavities and other health issues. The CDC states:
“Untreated tooth decay is higher in people who smoke cigarettes. Over 40% of adults aged 20 to 64 who smoke cigarettes have untreated tooth decay.”
Tobacco use also stains teeth and causes bad breath. It’s best to avoid all forms of tobacco if you want to keep your teeth healthy.
Dental sealants are a thin coating of plastic applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. This coating helps prevent food and bacteria from getting stuck in the grooves of your teeth, which can lead to cavities.
This coating helps prevent food and bacteria from getting stuck in the grooves of your teeth, which can lead to cavities.
Sealants protect against 80% of cavities for two years and continue to protect against 50% for up to four years. They can help protect teeth from cavities and eliminate the need for expensive treatments.
Electric toothbrushes are better than manual toothbrushes at preventing cavities. They can clean hard-to-reach places and apply enough force to effectively remove plaque.
The best electric toothbrush is one that’s easy to handle, fits your mouth, and has a timer. You should replace the brush head every three months or when it frays.
Some people have gaps between their teeth. These spaces will likely collect larger amounts of plaque and food debris throughout the day.
Cleaning your teeth as needed during the day can reduce your risk of cavities. The simplest way to do this is to carry small interdental brushes.
GUM Soft-Picks can be a convenient alternative to dental floss. While not as effective, it can quickly remove food from your teeth.
Chewing sugar-free gum is a simple yet effective way to increase the flow of saliva, which acts as a natural defense against cavities. Saliva washes away food particles and neutralizes harmful acids.
Just make sure to choose sugar-free gum so you don’t feed cavity-causing bacteria. Look for gums containing xylitol, a plant-based sugar substitute that kills mouth bacteria.
Most teeth whitening products contain carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. These ingredients can kill cavity-causing bacteria and remove plaque.
Early studies show that wearing custom-fitted teeth whitening trays with 10 percent carbamide peroxide gel overnight may reduce one's risk of cavities.
This is because peroxide creates a less acidic environment in the mouth, making it harder for cavities to form. However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term impact of whitening on cavity prevention.
Toothpaste tablets are an alternative to traditional toothpaste. They work like regular toothpaste and can help prevent cavities.
Since each person in the household gets a tablet, bacteria can’t spread across toothbrushes which can happen if you share toothpaste.
Toothpaste tablets are also very easy to use. Simply chew on the tablets, wait for them to foam, and brush as usual.
Look for tablets with hydrated silica or baking soda. This active ingredient gives the tabs a mild abrasiveness, which effectively removes superficial stains.By using the right products and techniques, you can dramatically reduce your risk of tooth decay. Remember, consistent oral care and smart choices can help protect your teeth for years to come.
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