How to Reduce Risk of Cavities

Cavities are small holes that form in your teeth and must be filled by a dentist to prevent further tooth decay. Caused by plaque which harbors bacteria and acid in your mouth, cavities eat away at the tooth enamel, causing pain, swelling and even tooth loss. Luckily, there are a few easy things that you can do to reduce the risk of cavities and protect your pearly whites.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Maintain proper dental hygiene, brushing, flossing and using mouthwash everyday. You can greatly reduce the risk of cavities by brushing and flossing each morning, after every meal and before bed. Use mouthwash twice daily to help remove the plaque and kill the bacteria that cause cavities.

2. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride, a compound that becomes incorporated into the teeth as they develop and makes teeth more resistant to decay. Using fluoride toothpaste can even reverse the early stages of cavity formation.

3. Reduce the amount of sugary foods and sodas that you consume daily, as sugar adds significantly to tooth decay and the formation of cavities. If you can't fight your sweet tooth, be sure to brush, floss and use mouthwash immediately after consuming sugar.

4. Chew gum that contains xylitol, now available in many popular chewing gums. Xylitol also occurs naturally in fruits such as pears and strawberries, so adding these tasty snacks to your daily diet can help reduce the risk of cavities.

5. Drink green tea daily, which can also be used as a gargle to clean the mouth and reduce the risk of cavities. Green tea is a natural source of fluorine which builds resistance to cavity formation.

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