How to Prevent Cavities

Nobody likes to have cavities. They hurt, they wreak havoc on your teeth, and they can make your smile look terrible. Luckily, cavities are unnecessary and easily prevented.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fluoride toothpaste
• Fluoride mouth wash
• Gum

1. 
   Develop good brushing habits.

   Use Fluoride toothpaste and mouth wash.
   This is obviously the most important and effective way to prevent cavities. Fluoride strengthens your teeth by depositing minerals to the tooth's enamel. Develop good brushing habits by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and rinsing with a flouride mouthwash at least once a day.

2. 
   Chewing gum between meals helps prevent cavities.

   Gum is great for your teeth.
   Gum is a great way to keep your teeth clean and prevent cavities. Not only does gum help to keep deposits off of your teeth, but some gums come with enamel-building minerals. In between meals, or when brushing your teeth is not an option, go for the gum...(sugarless variety of course!)

3. 
   Keep away from starches.

   Stay away from sugars and starches.
   These foods wreak havoc on your teeth. Bacteria in your mouth convert sugars and starches into acids that wear down your enamel. To remedy this problem, stay away from high sugar and starch foods when you know you aren't going to brush your teeth directly afterwards.

Tips & Warnings

• While brushing your teeth is a great habit, don't brush too hard. This can wear away your teeth's enamel.

[chrisdavy]

on 8/3/2009 I hope you're right about the gum...where did you get that info? Does it HAVE to be sugarless?

[archip99]

on 7/24/2009 This article will be handy to a friend of mine coz he has some obvious cavities he denies he has it. TQ for sharing.

[cherylscott]

on 7/23/2009 good one. 5s.