Having a cavity sucks – but you’re by no means alone.
1 in 5 adults has had at least one untreated cavity and 50% of children aged between 6 and 9 have had cavities in either their primary or permanent teeth. In fact, studies suggest that dental cavities are the most prevalent health condition around the world. Given these alarming statistics, it’s hardly surprising that dentists prioritize cavity prevention.
But here’s the good news: cavities are almost entirely preventable with the right habits!
Continue reading to learn the best practices for cavity prevention that work for everyone – whether you’re caring for your little one’s first teeth, managing your own oral care, or supporting aging parents.
What causes cavities?
Knowing how to prevent cavities helps if you understand what causes them in the first place. Plaque is the main culprit; that sticky bacterial film that forms on the teeth after consuming sugary drinks or food. The acid in the plaque slowly erodes tooth enamel, causing weakness and increasing the risk of decay and cavities.
Key contributors to the development of cavities include:
- Improper oral hygiene
- Dry mouth (caused by medications or dehydration)
- Genetics
- Frequent snacking of sugary treats
- Lack of fluoride
Now that you know what causes cavities let’s look at what actions to take that can help prevent them.
6 Best Practices For Cavity Prevention
#1 Brushing your teeth twice daily
Good oral hygiene is pivotal to preventing cavities. Most of us are familiar with the advice given by dentists to brush twice daily for 2 minutes but recent evidence suggests that this should be increased to 4 minutes for more effective plaque removal. Brush with a soft toothbrush to prevent harming the gums and use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
#2 Floss like a pro
The second essential step to cavity prevention is to floss at least once a day. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with flossing, here’s a guide we wrote previously detailing how to floss properly and mistakes to avoid. Flossing helps remove bacteria and food particles from those tight spaces between the teeth and cleans out the pocket at the base of the gums ( which is difficult to do with a toothbrush) helping prevent gum disease and cavities. Brushing only cleans 60% of the teeth which means that flossing accounts for the other 40% and that’s why it’s so important to incorporate flossing into your oral routine.
#3 Drink lots of water
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water not only benefits your overall health but also your oral health. Sipping water throughout the day helps dislodge and remove food debris and sugars that bacteria in plaque feed on.
Moreover, drinking water, as opposed to soda or coffee, aids saliva production (your mouth’s natural mouthwash) which in turn helps prevent cavities from forming. Saliva plays a significant role in maintaining oral health. It does this by diluting sugars contained in food and drinks that you consume, strengthening the soft tissues and also remineralising tooth enamel, restoring its strength.
#4 Use fluoride treatments and sealants
When it comes to cavity prevention, preventative dentistry plays a vital role. Your dentist has two important weapons in his or her arsenal – fluoride treatments and sealants. Both treatments work silently in the background helping keep the teeth strong and cavity-free.
Fluoride Treatments: These strengthen teeth by restoring lost minerals in the enamel helping repair the early signs of decay.
Dental sealants: These are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars. Dental sealants prevent 80% of cavities in the back molars where 9 out of 10 cavities occur.
#5 Eat healthy
To prevent cavities it’s vital to reduce your consumption of sugar and this means eating a well-balanced healthy diet that includes plenty of crunchy fruit and vegetables, fish, lean meat and dairy products like cheese and yoghurt. Always follow a meal with a glass of water to help rinse away food particles and bacteria.
Try also to avoid snacking between meals since this means your teeth are constantly under fire from acids contained in sugary snacks and drinks. If you can’t resist a snack in the evening, be sure to eat it well before bedtime and brush your teeth well afterward.
#6 Visit your dentist regularly
Regular checkups are essential for cavity prevention. A checkup includes X-rays to see if any issues are occurring beneath the gumline, an exam to check for gum and tooth problems, cavities and oral cancer followed by teeth cleaning and a polish. Your dentist can spot the early signs of decay and provide treatments like sealants or fluoride varnishes to protect the teeth.
The Harvard Medical School recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for a checkup.
Cavity Prevention For Kids and Seniors
Cavity prevention isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different age groups face unique challenges:
For kids:
As soon as your child’s first tooth appears, it’s time to start brushing with fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Limit the amount of toothpaste to a grain-sized smear for kids under three and a pea-sized amount for older children.
Avoid letting infants fall asleep with a bottle, as prolonged exposure to milk or juice can lead to tooth decay (commonly called ‘baby bottle tooth decay’).
For seniors:
Older people are more at risk of receding gums and exposed tooth roots which are more vulnerable to decay.
Seniors should pay extra attention to dry mouth and consider fluoride treatments to strengthen teeth.
How Mint Dental Can Help
Cavity prevention is easier when you have the right dental team on your side. At Mint Dental, we offer:
- Professional cleanings to remove stubborn plaque and tartar
- Fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel
- Dental sealants for added protection
- Comprehensive exams to catch cavities early
- Our friendly, experienced team is here to support your oral health at every stage of life.
Take the First Step Toward a Cavity-Free Smile
Preventing cavities starts with small, daily habits—and regular dental visits are a big part of the picture. Whether you require routine cleaning or looking for advice on improving your oral care at home, Mint Dental in Anchorage is here to help.
Call us today at (907) 802 5853 or schedule your appointment online! Your smile deserves the best care, and we can’t wait to see you.
