Cavity Prevention

Cavity prevention is pretty simple: don’t let the bad guys (harmful bacteria) move in. If your diet is high in sugar and carbohydrates, or you lack a proper brushing routine, you are more susceptible to tooth decay.

Frequent snacking can also contribute to the problem. This is because eating causes an acid reaction as the bacteria in your mouth digest carbohydrates. This takes approximately 20 minutes, long enough for the acid environment to invade the tooth structure, which can eventually lead to cavities.

Saliva also plays a role in the process. When saliva is thin it breaks up and carries food away quickly. Carbs and sugars can create thicker saliva, which moves slower and facilities in the acid-producing bacteria that leads to cavities.

Tips to Prevent Tooth Decay:

• Lower the frequency of meals and snacks.
• Routine brushing, flossing and rinsing.
• Limit sugary drinks, and increase water intake.
• Preventing sticky foods and candy.
• Make treats part of meals.
• Eat nutritious snacks low in carbohydrates.

What about cavities in children?

Though baby (primary) teeth are not permanent, they are the teeth your child will have until the adult teeth come in. To preserve your child’s oral health, there are a number of options such as removing the cavities in baby teeth and filling them accordingly. The primary teeth help the adult teeth to come in and align properly, so losing baby teeth before they’re ready to come out on their own is not good for your child’s permanent teeth.