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8 intelligent habits to stop the cavities before starting, supported by experts

Main to remember

  • The cavities are caused by bacteria, acids and carbohydrates that persist in the mouth.
  • Regular dental examinations are essential to eliminate the plate and the accumulation of tartare which can lead to cavities.
  • In addition to maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home, such as brushing and dental silk, experts recommend tactics like drinking a lot of water, limiting sugar snacks and foods to smoke to help prevent cavities.

The cavities are formed when bacteria, acids and food particles persist on your teeth and cause decrease. The good news is that there are simple steps that you can take to prevent them, as well as signs to know when it is time to see a dentist.

To prevent cavities and other dental problems, it is important to see a dentist regularly.

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1. Get regular dental cleaning

Visiting a dentist regularly is essential to maintain dental health and prevent cavities. Obtaining professional dental cleaning twice a year is the best way to eliminate the plate and tartare accumulation from your teeth.

During these meetings, the dentist will also take dental x-rays and carry out a physical examination of your mouth to search for any problem that could contribute to cavities or dental caries.

2. Brush and silk thread daily

The brushing of teeth carefully twice a day and dental silk of the teeth once a day considerably reduces the risk of cavities. These healthy oral hygiene habits at home help clean your teeth from cavity bacteria.

Experts generally recommend that you brush your teeth for two minutes each time, concentrating inside and outside your lower and upper teeth.

3. Try a fluorine toothpaste

Fluoride is a mineral that supports the teeth enamel. Choosing a toothpaste with fluorine can help keep your teeth strong and prevent the plaque from forming.

Although fluoride is often added to water systems across the United States, some people do not get enough of this essential mineral. Research shows that people who are not exposed to fluoride run an increased risk of developing cavities.

4. Limit sweet foods

Sweet and starchy foods contain carbohydrates, which nourish cavity bacteria in your mouth and cause the plate to be built.

Eating too much desserts, candies, gum, carbonated drinks and juices can increase your risk of developing cavities and dental caries, especially if your diet does not include enough nutrients of whole grain, fruits and vegetables.

5. Avoid snacking often

Experts recommend reducing snacks as much as possible. This limits the amount of teeth exposed to acids, carbohydrates and bacteria that lead to the plate, cavities and dental caries.

Rather than grazing on snacks throughout the day, experts suggest limiting most of your diet and drinking during meal hours to reduce the possibilities of forming cavities.

6. Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated by drinking a lot of water can help prevent cavities and dental caries for several reasons. Washing food with water can help rinse all sugars and bacteria that may have been left on your teeth.

In addition, the increase in your liquid consumption bears hydration and supply in saliva. Saliva is your body to naturally wash food and protect dental health. When you are not hydrated, your saliva diet is low and having a dry mouth can increase the chances of knowing dental caries.

7. Stop smoking

Stop smoking can help reduce your risk of developing cavities. Data show that dental caries is more common in people who smoke cigarettes. This is partly due to tobacco smoke, which leads to the dry mouth, allowing bacteria to prosper.

In addition, smoking can have a negative impact on the function of the immune system in the mouth, which gives any plate presents the possibility of causing dental caries.

8. Change your toothbrush regularly

If you have not changed your toothbrush for some time, it could contribute to a higher risk of developing cavities. The toothbrushes can host and serve as a reproductive ground for cavity bacteria.

In addition to carefully rinse your toothbrush after use to eliminate the remaining bacteria and debris, the experts suggest replacing it every three to four months. Remember to change it more often if you notice that the hairs of the toothbrush are becoming effiled, tangled or damaged, because the worn hair makes the brush less effective.

When to see a dentist

The cavities can become painful and, if they are sufficiently serious, cause a loss of teeth and other complications. Some signs you may need to call a dentist for emergency care:

  • Dental pain
  • Teeth sensitivity, especially at temperatures or hot or cold candies
  • Dark spots or spots on your teeth
  • Face swelling, pain and fever
  • The gums that seem red, swollen or bleeding

A word of very good

Cavities are a multifactorial disease. In addition to seeing your dentist regularly, there are also a variety of habits that you can cultivate to reduce your risk of developing them.


Very well health uses only high -quality sources, including studies evaluated by peers, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to find out more about how we check the facts and keep our content precise, reliable and trustworthy.
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By Cristina Mutchler

Mutchler is a award-winning journalist specializing in the content of health and well-being. It is based in Illinois.

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