General Dentistry: Helpful Tips to Avoid Cavities

Rather than see a dentist when you have a cavity, why not prevent cavities from happening in the first place? Dental procedures fill in cavities, but you can fill in the gaps in your oral care with a few healthy practices. Use these tips to avoid cavities and improve your oral health.

Top practices to prevent cavities

One vital reason to prevent cavities is that left untreated, they infect the tooth and could require a root canal or another dental procedure. You may not even notice you have a cavity until it is too late, so make these practices part of your daily routine.

Use the proper brushing technique and brush

When you brush your teeth twice a day, tilt your brush at a 45-degree angle. Get rid of plaque, debris, and particles by brushing along your gums and the bottom of your teeth. Rather than a standard toothbrush, consider upgrading to a brush with a rotating head or one that uses sonic vibrations. Brushes with abrasive bristles often cause gum recession.

Floss every day

You are not alone if you do not floss every day. Many dental professionals notice their patients do not floss as much as they should. Try different flossing options, such as a water pick, string floss, or flossing brushes. The right flossing option can make it easier for you to keep the spots between your teeth clean and pristine.

Watch what you drink and eat

When the bacteria in your mouth have a source of sugar, they cause tooth decay. Cutting down on sugar eliminates the bacteria's food source. Think twice about consuming a lot of sugary drinks, sweets, and acidic foods. After eating and drinking sugary or acidic foods, rinse your mouth with a glass of water.

Use mouthwash

Much like with flossing, you have lots of mouthwash options to try. This oral health aid rids your mouth of food, plaque, and germs, reducing your risk of cavities. See which mouthwash brand and type your dentist recommends for your specific oral health issues. To make using mouthwash less painful, switch to an alcohol-free variety. Also, read the label to know how much mouthwash to use and how long to swish it in your mouth.

Get fluoride treatments

If you are prone to cavities no matter how often you brush or floss, or if you want to go the extra mile for your oral health, schedule a fluoride treatment when you see your dentist for a regular check-up. These treatments do not take long and can make it easier to achieve a brighter, healthier smile.

See your dentist for regular cleanings and exams

Routine teeth cleanings take your brushing and flossing a step further in protecting your teeth and gums. Keep up with regular dental exams, so you know about minor or potential cavities before they decay out of control.