How do I prevent cavities?

Cavities are more common in children, but adults are also prone to them just as much.  Food intake, dental hygiene and heredity all play a part in the development of cavities and decay. You can delay and lessen its growth by ensuring you have a clean and healthy mouth. Home remedies may do the work of preventing cavities, but all these are temporary.

Cavities are the result of the acid waste emitted by bacteria. This acid waste feeds on the enamel of your tooth. Think of it as the waste excreted by bacteria. This waste sits on the surfaces of your teeth and cause harm. When the enamel corrodes and dissolves little by little, this leads to the buildup of cavities. If left untreated, cavities can lead to the development of an abscess in the tooth. Abscess in tooth or gum is dreaded. When the dentist finds abscess in the mouth, the only attempt to treatment is through a root canal procedure, surgery or tooth extraction.

Here are a  few things you can do to prevent its development in your teeth:

• Brush twice daily using a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps protect the enamel of your teeth.
• Floss every after brush. Use 18 inches of floss, using the forward-backward motion. This helps remove the plaque that gets stuck in between the teeth and the gumline.
• Have regular check-ups and talk to your dentist about preventive care
• Limit your intake of sugary and acidic food. These types of food leave a thick residue in your mouth.
• Ensure that your water supply is fluoridated. If it isn’t your dentist or pediatrician can prescribe you with fluoride tablets. This might not completely help in getting rid of cavities, but it helps prevent the growth of cavities.