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Step 1
Keep plaque at bay. Bacteria adhere to teeth, causing a film called plaque. Plaque deteriorates the protective enamel on teeth, leading to cavities. Brush your teeth in the morning, before bed and after every snack or meal.
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Step 2
Floss correctly and often. Cavities can form between teeth, where brushing is insufficient. Flossing removes plaque from areas a toothbrush can't reach. Daily flossing is highly important in the battle against cavities and tooth decay.
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Step 3
Have a professional clean your teeth. Tarter, or hardened plaque, is difficult to remove without dental instruments. To prevent dental cavities, professional cleanings are a must at least once a year.
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Step 4
Provide fluoride for your teeth. Many towns add fluoride to drinking water supplies. If yours does not, or if your water comes from a private well, ask your dentist if he or she recommends a fluoride rinse. Buy fluoridated, tartar-control toothpaste recommended by the American Dental Association.
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Step 5
Drink water, not carbonated soda. The sugar in soda is a cavity culprit. People who drink soda throughout the day often have a difficult time fighting cavities. If you must drink soda, brush your teeth as soon as you're finished.
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Step 6
Chew sugarless gum. The gum helps remove particles stuck to your teeth. Gum is not a substitute for tooth brushing, but can be useful when brushing is inconvenient.
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Step 7
Fix small cavities before they become larger. A dentist must repair dental cavities. They do not heal like a cut. Left alone, they continue to worsen. When a dentist finds a cavity, you must repair it immediately to save the tooth from further damage.
Comments
QuackJack said
on 6/24/2008 If you don't have a tooth brush with you after eating or drinking something sweet, rinse your mouth with water.
ehudsonj said
on 6/24/2008 Not to criticize the Fresh Feeling at Home, but I would recommend holding onto the idea, unitl after your next visit to your dentist, to see what his take is on it first.
Time2Compose said
on 6/23/2008 If you like this article and would like to know something extra you can do at home to prevent gingivitis and tooth decay see my article: How To Get that Dentist Fresh Feeling At Home | eHow.com
JUST TRY IT, YOU WILL BE SURPRISED.
Time2Compose said
on 6/23/2008 If you like this article, check out: How To Get that Dentist Fresh Feeling At Home | eHow.com
Fike said
on 6/23/2008 Actually fluoride is highly controversial, so consumers beware. Nice article! I don't think you can so much "fight" cavities, however, so much as treat or try to prevent them. If you have one, the cavity already won the bout.