What Are the Best Ways to Prevent Cavities? By Amy Nutt. At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

No one wants cavities. After all, having cavities means getting work done by the dentist. This work typically involves a drill and several other tools, and (at best) ends in getting a cap and (at worst) ends in a root canal. And no one wants either of these results, really. So, it is best to just avoid this type of work altogether by preventing cavities in the first place.

How can you avoid getting cavities? Here are several tips that will help to keep your mouth as healthy as it can be - and that will help to keep that dental drill as far away as possible.

1. Eat healthy. Sugary foods and drinks are not good for your teeth or oral health. By limiting the amount of junk that you eat and drink, you will be helping to prevent plaque from forming on your teeth.

2. Take care when you do eat and drink sweets. It isn’t reasonable to insist that anyone completely avoid sweets. Instead, be wise when you do eat and drink sweets. After eating a sugary snack, go brush your teeth. And as for a sweet drink, try drinking it through a straw so that the drink never even touches your teeth. Also, with any type of sweet, consume it in one sitting rather than throughout the day so that you can avoid exposing your mouth to it all day long.

3. Brush properly. You have heard it before, of course, but it is extremely important to brush your teeth at least twice each day. Using a fluoride toothpaste will help most, as research has shown that it has a higher chance of fighting cavities.

4. Use a mouthrinse. Several antimicrobial mouth rinses on the market - such as Crest Pro Health and Listerine--have been clinically proven to reduce plaque. Try rinsing with one of these after brushing and after eating for the best results.

5. Don’t forget to floss. So many people skip flossing, but this is a very important step in avoiding cavities. This is because flossing is the only way to remove the food debris that gets caught between the teeth when eating. If traditional dental floss is difficult for you to maneuver, try using floss picks. The single-use picks might make flossing easier for you - and, therefore, you may be less inclined to skip.

6. Chew sugarless gum. The American Dental Association (ADA) awarded their Seal of Acceptance in 2007 to Wrigley’s Orbit, Eclipse, and Extra sugarless chewing gums for helping to prevent cavities. They work by increasing the flow of saliva to your mouth. It is best to chew a piece after meals, when brushing isn’t convenient.

7. Have sealants put on your teeth. Your dentist can place dental sealants, which are a protective coating, on your back teeth. This will help shield these teeth against bacteria and plaque.

8. Visit your dentist regularly. Some cavities - or teeth in danger of getting cavities - can only be detected by a dental x-ray. Regular check-ups are essential.

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