Five Ways To Avoid Cavities

Ways to Avoid Cavities

Your oral health is important to keep up with, and avoiding cavities is part of doing so. However, it isn’t as difficult as some may think. There are several simple steps you can take to prevent and protect your teeth from cavities.

Regular Trips to the Dentist

One easy way to keep your teeth healthy is to schedule routine visits to the dentist. At routine dental checkups, your dentist can give you information about your oral health that you may not be aware of. With this helpful information, you will be able to change your oral routine to better the overall health of your mouth.

Brushing

No matter your age, there is always room for improvement when it comes to your health. If you’re having issues with effectively brushing your teeth, routine dental checkups and cleanings will not only give you the opportunity to talk with your dentist and get advice on better brushing habits but also refresh your teeth with a professional cleaning. Having your dentist clean your teeth every 6 months really does make a difference in the appearance and health of your smile.

Flossing

Flossing can play a major role in avoiding cavities. In fact, flossing is one of the top ways to keep your gums healthy, which in return helps prevent cavities from forming. At routine dental checkups, individuals find out if their flossing routine isn’t cutting it. Visiting your dentist will allow them to show you effective flossing techniques and recommendations on which floss works best for you.

Health Exams

Every individual is different and must take certain measures to keep up with their oral health. However, family oral history can also play a role in understanding what those measures should be. For some, cavities are very common and hard to avoid. Genetics and health conditions like diabetes can play a role in your likelihood of developing cavities. For others, cavities are rare. During dental visits, you can ask your dentist about a health exam to learn more about your oral health.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a natural mineral that works to protect teeth against decay and cavities. It can help both growing and developing teeth, making it useful for all ages. Fluoride treatment helps to restore broken down tooth enamel that has bacterial growth and/or plaque buildup.

How it works

There are a few options that you can choose from in order to get your treatment of fluoride. Dentists do recommend receiving in-office treatment depending on your cavity risk. However, there are ways to include fluoride into your routine at home as well including:

• Fluoridated water
• Fluoride toothpaste
• Dietary supplements

Benefits

There are a multitude of benefits to fluoride treatments and avoiding cavities. Talking with your dentist about which at-home fluoride treatment works best for you could help avoid major issues down the road. These treatments can also save you time and money in the long run. A few of the benefits of fluoride treatments are:

• Strong teeth
• Cavity prevention
• Disease prevention

Avoiding Harmful Food & Drink

It’s no surprise that the food and drinks you consume will eventually take a toll on your oral health. Although some of our favourite foods taste good, they can lead to health issues down the line that can be prevented now.

Food

There are a variety of foods that are beneficial to your overall health. The intake of necessary vitamins and minerals will not only help improve your oral health, but it will work to improve your overall well-being. However, there are also foods that people regularly consume that could be the source of unwanted cavities. Although we believe it’s okay to have a sweet treat every once in a while, sugary foods tend to cause cavities than other foods so it’s best to limit them to special occasions and to brush and floss well after enjoying them. Looking for a healthy alternative to your cravings? There are plenty of delicious yet healthy substitutions for sugary snacks like:

• Low-fat yogurt
• Peanuts, walnuts, almonds, or other nuts
• Sugar-free gum
• Cheese cubes
• Crunchy veggies

Drinks

Many of the beverages we consume on a daily basis are high in sugar and can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Refining the consumption of sugar through beverages is an easy way to avoid cavities from forming. From a young age, individuals can begin experiencing tooth decay due to what they are drinking. Therefore, it is extremely crucial to be aware of the harmful ingredients found in many types of beverages and the side effects they may cause down the road. Here are a few drinks that can benefit your oral health:

• Fluoridated water
• Milk
• Green tea
• Drinks to avoid in excess or at all if possible include:
• Sodas
• Sports Drinks
• Kool-aid

Healthy Habits

The small habits we partake in every day can be an influence on the health of our teeth. We may not even know that some of our habits can help induce the formation of cavities. In fact, many people are completely unaware of the side-effects that come with small, daily habits.

No smoking

Smoking is a habit that works against your entire body. It negatively affects your respiratory system, circulatory system, and even your digestive system. Eliminating the habit of smoking can immensely improve your overall health, including the avoidance of cavities. Although this may be a difficult habit to break, it is one that is well worth it.

Water intake

Many individuals are unaware of the benefits that come with drinking the right amount of water each day. One easy way to help avoid cavities is consuming enough water each day. This will improve your body’s overall health.

Routine brushing & flossing

Alongside other healthy habits, one obvious habit to keep up with is routinely brushing and flossing your teeth. Brushing and flossing twice a day can easily help you avoid cavities. There are many tips and tricks on how to effectively brush and floss your teeth. Talking to your dentist can help you learn more about what will work best for your routine.

Dental Sealants

Although brushing, flossing, and mouthwash can help prevent cavities, dental sealants can help those who find it difficult to reach every part of their mouth. A dental sealant is a thin, protective, plastic coating that is applied on top of the tooth. Most commonly seen in school-aged children, dental sealants are the perfect way to protect molars from becoming infected and/or decaying.

Application

The process of applying dental sealants takes very little time and causes no pain. After a deep-teeth cleaning, the dentist will go through the process of drying and applying the sealant onto each tooth necessary.

Time frame

Dental sealants can last many years. However, it is important to keep up with them and schedule routine checkups in order to be sure they are in good condition. This can help to prevent larger issues later.