Cavities, largely preventable but yet 91% of us have them.
A cavity is a hole in the tooth that, left untreated, will continue to decay and expand as time goes on. A cavity happens when the protective enamel on the tooth is worn away and it will continue to wear away the tooth until it reaches blood vessels and nerves.
Ouch right? Leaving cavities untreated could cause crippling toothache. But there are things you can do to stop a cavity in its tracks and be pain-free.
Read on for our best tips on how to prevent cavities from getting worse!
Brush Carefully
Of course, we all know we need to brush our teeth, but as soon as you notice cavity symptoms, it becomes even more vital. Use an electric toothbrush, use fluoride toothpaste, and focus on removing any food particles from between the teeth. Finally, at the risk of sounding like every dentist ever, please floss!
Saltwater Rinses
Saltwater is effective for cavity prevention as it is nature’s own antiseptic. When there’s a wound or infection in the mouth, saltwater can prevent further infection by destroying the bacteria that cause cavities.
Xylitol Gum
Once a cavity is present, gum won’t reverse the damage, but if you’re wondering how to avoid cavities in the future, invest in some xylitol gum. Xylitol is a natural alcohol and is sugar-free. Chewing xylitol after food or sugary drinks will help prevent more cavities by keeping the mouth clean.
Avoid Refined Sugar
Refined sugar is one of the main causes of cavities, refined sugar is found in both drinks and foods. Sugar will stick to the inside of your mouth and create a breeding ground for cavity-causing bacteria.
Stay Hydrated
A dry mouth encourages bacteria that cause cavities. By staying hydrated you keep your mouth moist, preventing these bacteria from living in the mouth. Swilling water around the mouth can also help dislodge small pieces of food from between the teeth or from inside cavities.
See a Dentist
The most important thing of all is to see a dentist. If you have a cavity, the tips above will help to prevent more appearing but it is vital to get treatment for existing cavities. You may need a dental filling to restore strength and resilience to the teeth.
If you have a cavity, check out Complete Health Dentistry for information all about dental fillings and book in to get your cavity filled.
The Bottom Line on How to Prevent Cavities from Getting Worse
If you were wondering how to prevent cavities from getting worse, these are our best top tips! Grab your water, toothbrush, floss, fluoride toothpaste, and saltwater; it’s time to give your mouth some attention.
But, always remember the only treatment for existing cavities is to see a dentist, don’t leave it until it’s too late.
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