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Cavities can be painful and eventually result in tooth loss, which, in turn, can lead to other medical problems. They can also be very expensive to repair. Fortunately, there are a number of simple and inexpensive things that almost anyone can do to prevent or minimize the occurrence of tooth decay, including: 1. Brush carefully at least twice a day, preferably after breakfast and after the last meal or snack of the day. A toothbrush with soft bristles should be used, and the pressure should be equivalent to the weight of an apple in order to avoid damaging the enamel that coats the outside of teeth. Regular brushing can also help prevent gum disease, which can lead to other health problems. 2. Use dental floss before each brushing to remove food particles that have become trapped between the teeth. 3. After eating or drinking foods that contain sugar, including fruit, candy and soft drinks, one should rinse their mouth out with water if they will not be brushing in the near future. 4. If one drinks soft drinks, particularly acidic drinks such as cola and lemonade, a straw should be used in order to reduce contact by the drink with the teeth. Also, it is much better to consume such drinks within as short a span of time as possible instead of sipping on them for a long time. 5. Toothpastes that contain fluorides are much more effective in preventing cavities than toothpastes that do not. Although some people are concerned that fluorides can be toxic, repeated experiments have shown that they are not harmful in the amounts used in toothpaste, with the possible exception of a small minority of people who might be highly sensitive to them. The benefits for teeth greatly outweigh any other possible disadvantages of fluorides. 6. Feel free to salivate frequently (but just be sure to keep the saliva in the mouth and not spit). Saliva plays an important role not only in helping swallow food but also in helping prevent cavities. Drinking plenty of water and frequent exercise can help promote the flow of saliva. 7. Some people are highly prone to cavities despite taking good care of their teeth. The reason in some cases is insufficient saliva. Fortunately, for such people, there are special toothpastes that are available by prescription which contain higher concentrations of fluoride than ordinary toothpaste and that are highly effective in preventing cavities. Moreover, they are also effective in healing pits and stains on teeth that are starting to develop into cavities. 8. Good nutrition, including sufficient calcium in the diet, can also help promote dental health. 9. Regular visits to a dentist are also important in preventing cavities and other dental problems. This is because cleanings performed by a dentist or dental hygienist remove tarter on the surfaces of teeth before it can develop into cavities and because dentists can find and fill small cavities before they become big cavities. Created September 30, 2006. |