Every year, roughly one in five people in the United States and Europe gets a cavity. In order to try to reduce that number, many people try to learn how to prevent a cavity from developing in the first place. There are lots of tips for preventing cavities that people might find, but, when it comes down to it, proper oral care is all that individuals need. Things like drinking soda through a straw and rinsing with tea tree oil can be helpful, but there are three tried and true ways that help people prevent cavities.
1. Brush Regularly
According to recommendations from the American Dental Association, people should brush at least twice a day for two minutes. Brushing gets rid of plaque, sugars, and starches that can combine to produce an acid that eats away at enamel and causes cavities. While it might not be the fanciest way to prevent cavity problems from arising, brushing is a tried and true method for maintaining oral health.
2. Floss
One of the best methods for how to prevent a cavity from developing is flossing. While it might be a pain, and something that people hate doing in the morning, it is a necessity for a completely healthy mouth. Unfortunately, brushing does not get all of the plaque and bacteria that can build up between teeth. In addition to helping fight cavities, flossing is also good for gum health and even helps keep breath fresh, so taking a few minutes every day to floss is quite worthwhile.
3. Avoid Sugars
Sugary foods and drinks are not only a cause of obesity and health problems, but can also lead to cavities. Drinking coffee or soda all day is a great way to stay alert, especially during a long day in the office, and minty gums help keep breath fresh. However, the sugars in those foods are one of the leading causes of cavities, even if someone brushes and flosses regularly. Choosing alternative drinks and sugar free gum can go a long way towards preventing cavities.
In order to make sure that kids have a healthy mouth, many parents will take the time to teach them how to prevent cavities. While they might know lots of little tricks that have worked over the years, the reality is that brushing, flossing, and eating right are all vital to dental health. Without them, painful cavities are far more likely to develop.