Cavities are areas where bacteria in your mouth have eroded your tooth enamel. They don’t heal independently and will worsen over time without treatment, so they have to be filled by a dentist once they form. The healthiest option is to stop them from forming in the first place, so start following these prevention tips.

How to Minimize Your Risk of Cavities

1. Diet

Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and secrete acid, which is what wears your enamel. Limiting the amount of sugar in your diet will reduce the amount of acid they produce. Also, eat a varied diet high in minerals, especially calcium, which you can easily find in dairy products. These minerals help your dental enamel stay strong and recover from acid exposure. Additionally, drinking plenty of water dilutes acids and rinses bacteria out of your mouth, and eating crunchy fruits and vegetables helps scour plaque from your teeth throughout the day.

2. Teeth Cleaning

Every day, bacteria in your mouth form a sticky film on your teeth called plaque. If it’s allowed to stay, this hardens into tartar, which provides shelter for bacteria and leads to cavities. To avoid this, disrupt the plaque on your teeth by brushing twice and flossing once daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid wearing down your enamel or irritating your gums, and opt for a fluoride toothpaste to further strengthen dental enamel.

3. Dental Visits

Regular dental exams help your dentist catch cavities and tartar early. These problems worsen over time, so the sooner you treat them, the healthier your mouth will be. Your dentist will also identify any problem areas you need to focus on when you brush. Finally, they can provide a fluoride treatment when you visit, which is even more effective at replenishing dental enamel than your daily fluoride use.

If you’re due for a dentist appointment, call Gregory E. Utecht, D.D.S. in Lincoln, NE. Serving patients of all ages in Lancaster County for over 20 years, Dr. Utecht is a member of the Nebraska Dental Association, American Dental Association, and the Lincoln Dental District. Call the office at (402) 477-3456 to schedule an appointment today, or visit their website to learn some more oral care tips.