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Cavities are decayed areas of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay, are caused by a combination of factors, including not cleaning your teeth well, frequent snacking and sipping sugary drinks.
If cavities aren't treated, they get larger and the decay can become severe enough to cause serious toothache pain, infection, tooth loss and other complications. You probably know that regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits go a long way toward preventing cavities and tooth decay. But you may be surprised to learn that cheese may also help prevent cavities, and that potato chips may be more harmful than a candy bar. Detecting and treating cavities and tooth decay early can save you pain and expense later — as well as your teeth.
Good oral and dental hygiene can help prevent cavities and tooth decay. Follow these tips to help prevent cavities:
- Brush after eating or drinking. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and ideally after every meal, using fluoride-containing toothpaste. To clean between your teeth, floss or use an interdental cleaner. If you can't brush after eating, at least try to rinse your mouth with water.
- Rinse your mouth. If your dentist feels you are at higher risk of developing a cavity, using a fluoridated mouth rinse can help reduce your risk.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Get professional tooth cleanings and regular oral exams, which can help prevent problems or spot them early. Your dentist can recommend a schedule for your situation.
- Consider dental sealants. A sealant is a protective plastic coating that's applied to the chewing surface of back teeth — sealing the grooves in the teeth most likely to get cavities. The sealant protects tooth enamel from plaque and acid. Sealants can help both children and adults. Sealants last for several years before they need to be replaced.
- Drink some tap water. Adding fluoride to public water supplies has helped decrease tooth decay significantly. But today, many people drink bottled water that doesn't contain fluoride.
- Eat tooth-healthy foods. Some foods and beverages are better for your teeth than others. Avoid foods that get stuck in grooves and pits of your teeth for long periods, such as chips, candy or cookies. Instead, eat food that protects your teeth, such as cheese, which some research shows may help prevent cavities, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, which increase saliva flow, and unsweetened coffee, teas and sugar-free gum, which wash away food particles.
- Consider fluoride treatments. Your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment, especially if you aren't getting enough fluoride naturally, such as through fluoridated drinking water. In a fluoride treatment, your dentist applies concentrated fluoride to your teeth for several minutes. You can also use fluoridated toothpaste or mouthwash.
- Ask about antibacterial treatments. Some people are especially vulnerable to tooth decay, perhaps because of medical conditions, for instance. In these cases, your dentist may recommend special mouth rinses or other antibacterial treatments to cut down on harmful bacteria in your mouth.
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