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.