Cavities Prevention

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Cavities Guide

Christine Jeffries
Empowered
Christine Jeffries

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Prevention

Measures that help prevent and stop tooth decay include:

  • Proper dental hygiene, including:
    • Brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste after meals or at least twice per day
    • Daily flossing between teeth and gums. Bacteria living between the teeth can only be removed with floss or interdental cleaners.
    • Regular dental check-ups and teeth cleaning
  • Limiting the amount of sugar and carbohydrates you eat and drink, including:
    • Honey
    • Sodas
    • Candy
    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Other sweets
  • Rinsing your mouth with water after eating sugars
  • Replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months
  • Avoiding sugar-containing drinks (including fruit juices), especially in nursing bottles, and careful brushing can help prevent childhood tooth decay

Talk to your dentist about the use of a sealant, a protective plastic covering which is applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth. This is the location where initial tooth decay starts. Sealants usually last anywhere from 5 to 10 years.

Prevention is particularly important for children, especially after the permanent teeth come in. Supplemental fluoride in early childhood (with dose adjustment for the amount of natural or added fluoride in local water supplies) can prevent early caries. Fluoride can also be applied to permanent teeth as a long acting “varnish,” though revarnishing is usually necessary at least twice yearly

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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