How to Avoid Cavities

Cavities result in pain and visits to the dentist to poked and drilled. As unpleasant as cavities are, it is a good idea to try your best to avoid getting them in the first place. This article will explain how cavities form and what you can do to avoid getting them.

How Do Cavities Form?
Cavities form as the result of the bacteria that naturally lives in our mouths. But it is not the bacteria alone that cause cavities. The combination of bacteria and the food we eat is where the trouble starts. The bacteria take the food left on our teeth and convert it into an acid. That acid, if allowed to sit on our teeth, begins to break down the protective outer layer, called enamel. If the bacteria are allowed to eat through the enamel, a cavity will form in the tooth.

Brush and Floss Regularly
The number one way to prevent cavities is to brush your teeth regularly. It does not matter how much sugar you eat if you are diligent about brushing. That is not to say you should begin eating all the sugar you can handle, it is just a testament to the power of brushing your teeth.

Flossing is also important. Flossing removes food particles from between teeth where a tooth brush cannot reach. If not removed by floss, these particles would otherwise sit on the teeth and likely cause cavities.

Avoid Carbohydrates and Sugars
Sugar and carbohydrates (carbs) are like growth hormones for bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria convert these simple sugars into an acid that sits on your teeth and begins to eat away at the enamel on them. Washing your teeth with water or other non sugary liquids after meals can help to remove sugary food that is stuck to teeth.

Limit Snacking Between Meals
Food leaves acid residue on your teeth. This acid begins to attack and weaken the tooth. However, your saliva works to remove the bacteria that produce the acid. Saliva also helps to repair the teeth as well. By leaving ample time between eating, you are giving your saliva the best chance to do its job. This will help to prevent the buildup of acid and the spread of cavities.
So be sure to eat your snacks with your meals, as this will leave your teeth with the down time they need to remove bacteria and repair your teeth.

Use Fluoride
Fluoride often gets a bad rap. But the truth is that fluoride is great at fighting cavities. Fluoride attaches itself to the tooth enamel and strengthens the tooth. This makes it harder for cavities to penetrate the tooth. Fluoride can be found in many brands of tooth paste, so choose a brand that contains fluoride and start protecting your teeth!

Go to the Dentist Regularly
Visiting your dentist regularly is essential in preventing the spread of cavities. A dentist can spot problems before you are even aware they exist. Detecting problems early means they are easier to treat and damage is minimized. So do not avoid the dentist, he is your ally in the battle against cavities.