3 Tips for Avoiding Cavities

3 Tips for Avoiding Cavities

Cavity prevention is on the top of everyone’s oral hygiene list. Cavities are tiny holes in your teeth caused by decay. When food and plaque build up on the teeth, the enzymes in your mouth can wear away at your teeth’s protective enamel to form these holes.
If left untreated, cavities and decay may lead to problems with the sensitive pulp inside your tooth and even cause infection or tooth loss. Here’s what you need to know to reduce your risk for cavities:
Eat Right
Stay away from sugary, sticky candies and foods, which adhere to your teeth and are difficult to remove during regular cleaning. When you eat starchy foods like bread, pasta, or crackers the bacteria in your mouth will be happy. Bacteria love feasting on the sugars in carbohydrates. As the bacteria munch away, they produce acid, which causes tooth decay.
Avoid Cavity-Causing Drinks
The sugar, phosphorous, and carbonation in soda are all bad for your teeth. These ingredients wear away at tooth enamel, making you more prone to cavities. Similarly, sugary fruit juices and acidic fruit juices like lemonade and OJ can wear down your enamel. Drinking sugary, carbonated, or acidic beverages through a straw can minimize the damaging effects on your teeth.

Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene
In addition to the food and beverage tips above, proper oral hygiene is key to preventing cavities. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day, after meals, for two full minutes at a time. It is also important to visit your dentist regularly for deeper cleanings and exams. Your dentist can use digital x-rays to detect smaller or hidden cavities early on. In-office dental sealant treatments can also help some patients reduce the risk of cavities on their pre-molars and molars.
Dr. John Carson DDS offers dental care for Tucson families. To learn more about our preventative dental and cosmetic dental services, visit our website or call (520) 514-7203.