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Teeth free from tooth cavities and decay do not happen overnight. There is a list of conscious habits and routines that can be associated with having good oral health.
Great dental and oral hygiene can help you avoid tooth decay and cavities.
This blog has provided some tips that will help you prevent tooth decay and cavities. If you have concerns about some of them, be sure to reach out to us for the best tips.
At Tooth Doc Dental, we provide dental care to families seeking quality family dentists in Herndon, VA.
Ways to Prevent Tooth Cavities
Below are ways to prevent the occurrence of tooth decay and cavities:
1. Brush your Mouth After Eating or Drinking
We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice daily and ideally after each meal using fluoride toothpaste. You also want to use an interdental cleaner or a string of floss to clean between your teeth.
2. Combined Treatment
Chewing xylitol-based gum can reduce the risk of tooth decay. An antibacterial rinse and prescription fluoride can also help to prevent the occurrence of cavities.
3. Drink Some Tap Water
If you drink only bottled water - which typically has no fluoride content - you will miss out on the benefit of fluoride. Most tap water has added fluoride, which can ultimately help to reduce tooth cavities and decay.
4. Dental Sealants are Excellent
A sealant is a plastic coating applied to the top of the back teeth to seal off crannies and grooves that tend to collect food. This helps to protect the enamel from acid and plaque. Sealants can last for years before they need replacement. However, they need to be checked regularly.
5. Teeth-Healthy Foods are Key
Some beverages and foods are better for your teeth than others. You want to avoid foods that get stuck in the pits and grooves of your teeth for a long period. However, you might want to eat those foods but brush them soon after eating them. Unsweetened coffee, sugar-free gum, tea, vegetables and fruits increase the saliva flow that can help wash food particles.
6. Regular Dental Visits
Regular oral exams and professional teeth cleaning can help prevent problems or help you spot them early. Contact us to schedule a visit.
7. Antibacterial Treatments
Suppose you are vulnerable to cavities and tooth decay because of a medical condition. In that case, your dentist may place you on special antibacterial mouth rinses to help reduce the invasion of harmful bacteria in your mouth.
8. Mouth Wash
Your dentist may recommend using mouth rinse with fluoride content if they feel you have a high risk of developing tooth decay or cavities.
9. Consider Fluoride Treatments
If you aren’t getting sufficient fluoride, your dentist may recommend periodic fluoride treatments. And if you have a high risk of tooth decay, they may also recommend custom trays over your teeth for prescription fluoride application.
10. Avoid Frequent Sipping and Snacking
Whenever you drink beverages or eat, it helps your mouth bacteria to produce acids that can destroy your enamel. If you frequently sip on drinks that are not water or snacks throughout the day, your teeth are under constant attack.
Our leading family dentist in Herndon, VA, is committed to helping families develop and maintain healthy oral hygiene. Here, we have the best pediatric dentist in Herndon, VA. Contact us today for your dental solutions.