Once formed, cavities will require professional treatment from a dentist. However, there are plenty of ways that you can stop or slow cavity formation at home. Some methods are ancient, some are newer, but all can help you maintain your oral health and help have a cavity-free mouth. Regardless of what you do to prevent cavities, it’s important to do that regularly. Brushing a few times a week is good, but it’s nothing compared to doing it every day.
Brush and floss regularly
You were probably expecting this piece of advice. It may seem obvious, but it’s nonetheless true, so we are getting it out of the way early.
- Brush two to three times a day. You should brush before bed and in the morning. If you have the capability/time, do it again after lunch. Brushing at night clears away debris from the mouth and prevents bacterial build-up while you sleep. Brushing in the morning cleans away bacteria that do form while sleeping. Make sure to brush for at least 3 minutes each session, and don’t press too hard, you may cause your gums to recess. Use the right brush too! Make sure to replace your toothbrush/toothbrush head (if it’s an electric brush) every 3 months or so. Don’t use a brush with bristles that are too hard if you are prone to gum irritation.
- Floss once a day. The best time to floss is at night, before bed. This removes debris from between the teeth that can cause bacterial build-up and infection. Here is a great guide from Castle Family Dentistry about how to floss properly.
Oil pulling
This ancient ayurvedic (think Yoga-related) technique involves swishing a tablespoon of sesame or coconut oil in the mouth for 20 minutes. Although some of its benefits are unproven, evidence points to it decreasing bacteria in the mouth as well as gum inflammation. It’s a simple process: swish oil in the mouth for about 20 minutes in the morning. Coconut oil has shown special promise in improving dental health.
Diet
Drink and eat less sugar
Sugary beverages (namely soda pop, but also juice) are some main culprits of tooth decay in the developed world. Any grocery store you go to will have full aisles dedicated solely to these sugary drinks. Try to avoid daily consumption of them.
Candies and other high-sugar foods also contribute to bad dental health. Especially candies that are chewy and sticky. They result in sugars that stick to the teeth after they are eaten. The sticking sugars promote bacterial growth which leads to plaque and eventually tartar build up.
Chew sugar-free gum
Chewing gum with no sugar is associated with reduced bacteria and enamel destruction in the mouth. The process of chewing alone spurs saliva production. Saliva is one of the body’s natural methods of washing out/cleansing the mouth of debris from food and bacterial build up.
Get plenty of vitamins and minerals
A healthy, balanced diet promotes bone and tooth growth. Vitamins that make up the structure of our teeth should be consumed. These include:
- Vitamin D. Vitamin D protects against cavities and releases calcium in the saliva. Calcium helps remineralize the teeth, restoring damaged tooth enamel.
- Phosphorous. Phosphorous is a chemical making up much of our bones. Ensuring phosphorous in your diet helps ensure strong, healthy bones and teeth.
- Magnesium. Magnesium is important for the holistic health of the body. Among its many benefits is a bonus to the immune system, which is used in fighting off infections bacteria in the mouth.
Try to avoid phytic acid
Phytic acid reduces the body’s ability to absorb various nutrients, including those necessary for healthy tooth and bone formation. Phytic acid became a mainstay of human diet thousands of years ago, when we moved from hunter-gatherers to farmers. The acid is found in many grains and beans:
- Corn
- Wheat
- Rice
- Rye
- Beans
- Kidney
- Pinto
- Navy
- Blackeye
- Broad (Fava)
As you can see, phytic acid is found in a great deal of subsistence and cash crops around the world. Avoiding it altogether may not be possible, but limiting consumption of it is.
Avoid acidic drinks
Alcohol-based drinks and coffees are big offenders here. Acid can wear away the enamel, weakening the teeth and increasing risk of cavities/infection. Drinks to avoid (or moderate consumption of) include:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Sport drinks
- Carbonated beverages (including soda pop)
- High citrus juices
- Alcohol, especially wine
Know your risk level
Is your immune system compromised by an existing disease? Are you on medications that can hurt your oral health? One of the biggest tricks in knowing exactly what to do to prevent cavities is to know what oral health areas leave you lacking. There are lots of ways to figure out your risk level, including doing a personal health audit. Ask yourself the following:
- What medicines are you on?
- Are you at a healthy weight level?
- Do you have diseases that increase oral health risk (such as diabetes)?
- Are you regular in your oral health care?
- Have you had injuries lately that may affect your teeth?
Another great way to figure out your cavity risk level is to have regular dental appointments. You can even schedule one to assess your dental health issues. If you happen to live in the Carrollton Texas area, then Josey Lane Dentistry can help. We are a full-service family dentistry office, and our specialties are many, but include restorative and preventative dentistry. Whether you have cavities, or just want to prevent any, get in contact, and let us know how we can help.
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