Cavities are caused due to the byproduct of a bacteria that thrives in an acidic environment. The best way to fight cavities is to minimize the time your mouth is acidic and to eliminate the Step Mutans bacteria that causes cavities. Here are some tips that will help you prevent cavities:
Tooth Brushing: Brush 2-3 times a day with an electric toothbrush, at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Think of your gums as a little turtleneck around the tooth and you want to clean out any debris that is in the turtleneck. You do not need to be aggressive; you must position the bristles, so they are cleaning out plaque from between your tooth and your gums.
Floss, floss, floss: It is a difficult habit to establish, but this is where people get cavities, between the teeth. Ideally you floss at bedtime, then brush, and then rinse with a fluoride mouth rise. But it is most important to do it. Put floss in your car, in your shower, in your desk drawer, in your backpack or purse – wherever you will see it. It is ok to use floss picks too if your fingers do not work the floss very well. Just do it!
Fluoride: Fluoride mouth rinse actually remineralizes your tooth making it more resistant to cavities. The best way to use it is after flossing and brushing, swish for 30 seconds and spit. Do not rinse. Do not eat or drink anything. Go to bed. The fluoride is remineralizing your teeth for 30 minutes making them more resistant to cavities.
Xylitol: This naturally occurring sugar starves the Strep Mutans bacteria that causes cavities. You need 6 grams of Xylitol per day for therapeutic doses, but it WORKS! Check out www.epicdental.com for more information. This easy daily activity will save you many times over in the long run.
Water: After meals, swish your mouth with water for at least 30 seconds. Sip water during the day, not sodas, juices, coffee, tea, etc. Water neutralizes the acid in your mouth, ending the cavity degradation of your enamel. This is easy and free!
Prescription Toothpaste: This is concentration 1.1% Sodium Fluoride tooth paste that will help remineralize your enamel, helping prevent new cavities and fighting cavities that have started in enamel but are not into the second layer (dentine) of your tooth yet.
