The Caveats of Cavities: 5 Tips to Prevent Cavities

According to the CDC, around 90% of American adults age 20 and older have had at least one cavity.

What is a cavity? It is a tiny hole that forms on the enamel of your teeth after an extensive amount of tooth decay. Your enamel is the hard outer surface of your teeth that protects the more sensitive inner tissue.

While they can be painful to experience, cavities are treatable with dental fillings. Still, prevention is key. You can keep them at bay as long as you know the steps to take, as well as the problems to avoid.

Today, we’re sharing five easy tips that can help keep your smile healthy and bright today, tomorrow, and into the new year!

1. Brush and Floss Twice Each Day

You’ve heard your dentist say it time and again. You know you need to brush and floss your teeth at least two times each day. Yet, do you always heed that advice?

If you’re like 20% of people, then you ignore at least one part of that recommendation! According to one recent study, two in every 10 Americans skip flossing altogether in their oral health routine. In fact, that same study found that 18% of Americans would rather wash the dishes than pick up a little floss, and 14% would rather clean the toilet!

While it might not be the most glamorous part of your day, brushing and flossing are key. Yet, it’s critical to make sure you’re doing it the right way. Simply squeezing on some toothpaste and lazily moving the brush around your mouth won’t cut it.

The American Dental Association (ADA) created a short and informative video and guide to help explain the basic process. Did you know your brush needed to be at a 45-degree angle, or that you should replace it every three to four months?

Take the time to review this information and stock up on all the gear you need. It’s an investment in your oral hygiene that will deliver plenty of solid returns! We recommend a soft-bristled electric toothbrush, though a manual one is also effective.

2. Add Mouthwash to Your Routine

Cavities can form when plaque, food debris, and germs are allowed to sit on your teeth untreated. While brushing and flossing can help rinse them away, you can take your routine a step further by adding mouthwash!

While every bottle is different, most will instruct you to fill a capful of the solution and swish it around in your mouth for at least 30 seconds. Note that while most formulas will contain germ-blasting alcohol, this ingredient may burn sensitive or damaged mouths.

If you’re looking for a gentler alternative, then check out alcohol-free mouthwashes. Equally effective, they don’t deliver that burning sensation that some users find uncomfortable. Try to remember to use mouthwash twice a day, each time you brush and floss your teeth.

3. Limit Snacks at Night

Maybe you work from home at night, and you need a little pick-me-up when that midnight hour hits. Or, perhaps you just love to curl up in bed with some snacks as you watch late-night television!

Whatever the case, try to stick to crunchy and healthy foods as much as possible. While sugary sweets are always best in moderation, this especially applies to nighttime treats. We also recommend skipping the sweet beverages for a simple glass of water or milk.

No matter what you consume, you’ll also need to brush your teeth one last time before you go to bed. Yes, this still applies even if you brushed earlier! Otherwise, you’re allowing that food and sugar to stick on your tooth enamel, which could weaken it.

If you’re wondering how to prevent cavities, then this is a smart way to start. Eat as early in the night as possible, and don’t skip that final cleaning!

4. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Are you someone who only visits the dentist when they notice an issue? Waiting until you’re already in the throes of a problem is like taking your car to the mechanic when it’s already on the fritz.

Sure, the mechanic will likely be able to fix whatever’s wrong with your vehicle and send you on your way. However, have you ever considered how cheaper and easier the job would be if you just took your car into the shop for routine maintenance every few months?

This preventative mindset also applies to your dental appointments. By staying up-to-date with your bi-annual visits, you can catch early issues before they snowball into bigger problems. For instance, your dentist may be able to notice areas of decay where a cavity could form and can give you tips on how to stop that damage in its tracks. In case, if you have a deep cavity or other infection in your tooth, you may need root canal treatment services. Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure that is performed to save a tooth that has been damaged by decay or infection. During the treatment, your dentist will remove the infected tissue from inside your tooth and seal the space with a filling material. Root canal treatment can save your tooth.

Do you have little ones at home? If so, then it’s important to take them to the dentist and monitor their oral health, too. This pediatric dentistry guide can help you find a great dental team near you, catering specifically to pint-sized patients.

5. Maintain a Healthy Diet

We’re not recommending that you cut sugar out of your diet entirely. However, if you’re wondering how to avoid cavities, then this is one ingredient to consume sparingly.

The bacteria in your mouth feed off sugars. This is an early step in the tooth decay process, so if you can limit the level of sugar in your mouth, then you can help stave off those microorganisms.

While you may already know to avoid eating too many cakes, cookies, and other sweets, remember that sugars can hide in drinks and other food items, too. While it’s best to stick to a whole-food diet with plenty of colorful fruits, veggies, and lean protein, give yourself a little grace.

You can eat your favorite treats as long as you remember to wash your mouth out with water or brush afterward! This can help remove those damaging sugars and acids and keep your teeth in great shape!

What Is a Cavity? Keeping Your Smile Bright

By following the dental hygiene tips described above, you shouldn’t have to Google, “What is a cavity?” While you may still experience some over the course of your lifetime, you can greatly minimize this number by staying on top of your oral health and hygiene.

Remember to brush and floss, visit your dentist regularly, and monitor your diet to keep your teeth looking their best. In the meantime, we’re here with all of the lifestyle news you need. Check back often for more guides!