How to Avoid Getting Cavities

We all know that eating sweets and not brushing your teeth can cause cavities. However, many people do not realize that basic dental hygiene alone is not a foolproof way to avoid cavities. Many behaviors and eating habits contribute to oral health, and there may be some simple steps that you are not taking that could make a big difference to your overall dental health. In this article, we will discuss how to avoid getting cavities.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Toothbrush
• Dental floss
• Preventative mouthwash

How to Avoid Getting Cavities

1. Brush every time you eat. Many people brush in the morning before breakfast and then not again until just before bed. It is important to brush immediately after eating every time you eat so that food does not sit in your mouth all day creating an ideal atmosphere for tooth decay and cavities.

2. Floss throughout the day. Most people think that flossing once a day will be sufficient to keep cavities away. However, as with brushing, it is important to floss immediately after eating in order to prevent a cavity-conducive environment in your mouth. Even if you do not feel food stuck between your teeth, it is almost certainly there.

3. Use a preventative mouthwash. After flossing and brushing, rinse your mouth with a cavity- and gingivitis-fighting rinse. Carry a small container of this rinse with you and use it after you eat or drink anything--especially if you are in a situation where you cannot floss and brush.

4. 
   Studies show that jelly beans are the worst candy for teeth.

   Avoid sticky candies.Gummy or sticky candies that can melt in between your teeth or stick to tooth enamel cause more cavities than any other type of food. If you must snack on sugary treats, choose something that can be thoroughly chewed and swallowed rather than hard candy that can remain stuck in teeth for hours before dissolving completely.

5. 
   Your back teeth can cause the biggest problems.

   Clean your very back teeth. The molars in the very back of your mouth frequently are overlooked entirely even by avid tooth-brushers and flossers. Make sure that there is no food stuck behind those very last teeth, especially if you have had your wisdom teeth removed since the surgery can leave small "craters" in your back gums that catch and hold food if not properly rinsed and cleaned.

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[jseven]

on 10/14/2009 Flossing is extremely important, thanks!