Cavities, also known as dental caries, are among the most common threats to a person's dental and overall oral health. Cavities are caused by the accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, on the teeth.
Fortunately, with some healthy habits and a robust oral care routine, they're easily treatable, if not entirely preventable. To help you understand how to prevent cavities and plaque, we've put together our top five oral hygiene habits and lifestyle choices to help keep your pearly whites cavity-free!
Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
The most straightforward yet vital way to steer clear of cavities is to commit to brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once a day, and using antiseptic mouthwash to remove cavity-causing plaque from between your teeth and along your gumline.
Choose the Best Toothpaste to Prevent Cavities
Selecting the right toothpaste is crucial to preventing cavities. Look for a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel and helps protect against decay. In making your selection, make sure to look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance for guaranteed effectiveness.
Limit Your Intake of Sugary and Acidic Foods and Beverages
The sugars in many popular snacks and beverages like candy and soda create a hospitable environment for the bacteria that lead to plaque and gum disease. Meanwhile, foods and beverages like citrus fruits and coffee can erode tooth enamel and make teeth more susceptible to cavities.
To reduce the risk of your diet to your dental health, try to limit your consumption of sugary and acidic foods and beverages and focus instead on a diet rich in whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.
Drink Lots of Water
Drinking water throughout the day helps rinse away food debris and bacteria and neutralizes acids in the mouth. Regularly drinking water also promotes saliva production, which helps protect against cavities.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Commit to scheduling routine dental cleanings and exams every six months or as your dentist recommends. These routine visits allow your dentist to detect and quickly and painlessly treat cavities in their earliest stages.
Painless and Effective Dental Fillings in Dedham, MA
If you're in the Dedham, MA, area and have a cavity that requires treatment, existing fillings requiring re-treatment, or simply want to ensure that cavities never threaten your dental health, contact dentist Dr. Taejoon Park and the Dental Park team to schedule a consultation!