Preventing Cavities at Home and the Dental Office

Showing off a great smile is empowering. By practicing good oral care at home, you will fight tooth decay every day and help preserve your healthy smile. Daily dental hygiene combined with regular professional cleanings and checkups will minimize the risks of developing cavities and other health conditions.

How to Prevent Cavities at Home

When it comes down to cavity fighting, the best course of action is a dedicated oral care routine. Regular daily brushing and flossing are essential. Tooth enamel can be repaired by fluoride toothpaste and minerals in saliva. A good fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush are powerful weapons against tooth decay. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice each day and floss at least once a day.

In addition, a few minor lifestyle changes can make a big impact on your dental health:

• Avoid sugar-laden foods and heavy starches.
• Opt for dark, leafy green vegetables and fruits.
• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Tap water contains fluoride.
• Limit intake of alcohol, coffee, and soda.
• Take vitamin supplements such as Vitamin D and C, that support dental health.

How to Prevent Cavities at the Dental Office

Taking care of your mouth at home is very important, but it is only half the battle. Professional cleanings and checkups every 4 to 6 months are just as important to maintain dental health.

Fluoride Treatments

For children or adult patients with cavity-prone teeth, fluoride treatments either in-office or at home may be recommended to provide extra protection against tooth decay. Professional applications are used to deliver higher concentrations of fluoride to teeth that may be more porous or have tiny cracks in the enamel.

Protective Coatings and Sealants

Protective coatings and sealants are very effective at preventing tooth decay, particularly on children’s teeth. Many kids avoid getting the cavities they would have developed without having tooth sealants. Since cavities form inside the grooves of permanent teeth, sealants smooth out the grooves with a protective coating. All children should have sealants applied when their adult molars and premolars erupt. It is not uncommon for adults to have tooth sealants placed to preserve their healthy teeth. Due to wear and tear, sealants will need to be replaced about every five years, or once they show signs of erosion.

Regular routine dental visits will help you prevent cavities. By preventing dental health issues through good oral care practices at home and by keeping up with preventative dentistry, you will preserve your teeth and save money on costly restorative treatments.