Cavities are a painful experience that can happen to anyone. Annoying plaque sticks to a tooth, producing acid that then eats through your enamel. Congratulations, there’s now a hole in your
tooth that can house leftover food and bacteria, eventually causing an infection. No one wants that, which is why oral health is so important, and easy if you just brush your teeth twice a day.
There are many factors that go into the growth of a cavity, so here are six things you can do to prevent it from happening.

Are You at High Risk?

Do you have a high risk of getting cavities? If you are unsure, the best way to truly know is by having a comprehensive dental exam. By talking to your dentist, you’ll know where your teeth stand and can take the correct precautions to improve your oral hygiene. As the second most common disease, you may want to book that appointment sooner than later.

Brush Your Teeth

Brushing regularly is the easiest way to help prevent cavities. Using the right toothbrush will help get rid of the bacteria that causes cavities. Brush after you wake up, after every meal and before bed for optimal protection. Antimicrobial mouthwash also helps to fight bacteria growth, but don’t use it as a replacement for brushing.

Change Your Diet

Reducing your sugar and acidity intake will help greatly improve your oral health. Prolonged exposure to acidic drinks and fruits, sugary snacks and even high levels of milk can increase your risk of getting a cavity. If you can’t resist having a soda or piece of chocolate, make sure to rinse your mouth out with water afterwards.

Drink Water

Drinking more water helps your body distribute healthy nutrients, dispose of waste, keep your skin glowing and your muscles moving. It also helps to keep your teeth healthy, so drink up.

Start Flossing

Flossing helps to clean the sides of your teeth your toothbrush cannot reach. It only takes a minute or two, twice a day. If anything, you can watch television or read a few pages of a good book while doing it.

Quit Smoking

Smoking can cause a real problem within your mouth, not to mention the rest of your body. While smoking can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer, it can also weaken your teeth enough for cavities to form.

At Lumina Dental, located in Maple Ridge, Vancouver, we take pride in provided advanced dental care for all your needs. We have several exam rooms, fitted with trained professionals using the best equipment to ensure a personalized and comprehensive treatment for our patients. Lumina Dental offers services such as cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry, implants and dentures, orthodontics, sports and night guards as well as urgent care. We want you to be comfortable here, which is why we offer complimentary beverages while you wait. Call or make an appointment on our website at www.luminadental.ca.