How to Prevent Cavities

If you spend some time thinking about how to prevent cavities, you are on the right track toward a clean bill of dental health.  However, most people do not actively think about how to prevent cavities.

Brushing and flossing cross the average person's mind a few times per day but that is the extent of his or her concern for oral health.  Below, we delve into how to prevent cavities with home care techniques.

Tips to prevent cavities

Brush for a Minimum of two Minutes two Times per Day

The American Dental Association reports it is prudent to brush the teeth at least two times per day for a full two minutes to prevent cavities.  If you brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush, set its timer to ensure you are performing an adequate cleaning of your mouth.  A comprehensive brushing includes a cleaning of the gums, teeth, tongue, cheeks and even the roof of the mouth.  

It is important to note it is possible to over-brush the teeth.  If you brush more than a couple times per day for more than a total of four minutes, you might wear down the protective enamel layer on your teeth.  If this layer is worn away, it will expose the layer of dentin below.  Dentin is sensitive and has more of a yellow hue that will undoubtedly compromise your mile.

Brushing is Especially Important in the Morning and at Night

If you do not want to be bothered with brushing after each of your three daily meals, make it a point to brush after breakfast and dinner.  The last thing you want is to spend the next six hours or so with a mouth laden with food particles.

If you do not clean your teeth at least two times per day, those food particles will work in unison with bacteria to eat away at your tooth enamel.  

Flossing is a necessity Every Single Day

Some people skip flossing as it is somewhat painful, tedious and even somewhat frustrating if the floss continues to break.  You can ward off those annoying cavities and minimize the scraping at your next dental check-up by flossing at least once every single day.

Flossing is essential to loosen up those particles between teeth and the gum line that your toothbrush can't reach.  Furthermore, flossing removes plaque and stops the accumulation of tartar.  

Eat a Balanced Diet of Nutritious Foods

It is awfully rare for cavities to result from a diet consisting of vegetables, grains, meat and other non-processed foods.  If a healthy diet is combined with the proper oral health care routine, the chances of a cavity-forming are that much less.  So stay away from sugary foods and drinks like candy, chocolate, soda and fruit juice.

The sugar and acids in these treats are terrible for your teeth.  The acid will attack tooth enamel, form cavities, stain the teeth and lead to all sorts of additional oral health problems.

Call us at (703) 763-5239 for more information from Oak Tree Dental or to schedule an appointment in our dentist office in McLean.

Recent Posts

Tips To Help Your Kids Have Healthy Teeth

If you are a parent, you probably have a plethora of questions when it comes to keeping your kid’s teeth healthy. From their brushing and flossing habits to scheduling their first dental appointment, parents have a hard time judging what dental care their child needs.The problem seems even more serious when your kid’s teeth have…

Everything You Should Know About Dental X-Rays

Every adult patient has likely received a dental X-ray in their lifetime. This trusted imaging technology helps to get a deeper view of the teeth and jaw. Dentists use X-rays to evaluate the oral health of their patients and to spot any issues that cannot be determined through a visual examination.Also known as radiographs, X-rays…

Basic Tips To Help Kill Bacteria In Your Mouth

When it comes to killing oral bacteria, there are specific natural remedies and tactics that someone can use. It is important to realize that not all bacteria are harmful. In this article, we will focus on some healthy habits to have in your daily routine in order to fight bacteria and help in maintaining a…

Do Medications Impact Dental Health?

Many medications have negative impacts on your dental health. Aside from prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements can cause dental issues such as inflamed gums, dry mouth, taste changes, and bone loss.Saliva helps clean your mouth, but when its flow is changed, and your mouth gets dry, gum infections and tooth decay…


Recent Posts

Adjusting To Your New Life With Dental Veneers

Adjusting To Your New Life With Dental Veneers

After getting dental veneers, you will want to have a plan for the next several days and weeks. Veneers are sometimes known as “instant orthodontics” because they can drastically reshape and whiten your teeth. It is very rare to experience side effects from dental veneers. However, it is possible that you will experience temperature sensitivity…

Drinks Your Teen Should Avoid While Wearing Invisalign

Drinks Your Teen Should Avoid While Wearing Invisalign

One of the perks of choosing Invisalign® trays for tooth alignment is that there is no need for major dietary changes during treatment. Patients can still enjoy some of their favorite foods and treats without worrying about damaging brackets and wires. There is also no risk of food particles becoming lodged under or between appliances…