How Can I Prevent Cavities?

It’s one of the most common fears every time your visit to the dentist is approaching: Will I have any cavities?

You don’t want your dentist to think you’re not taking good care of your teeth — even though you can’t remember the last time you flossed — and you don’t want to go through the hassle and discomfort of having to get a filling to strengthen a tooth where you have a cavity.

The good news is there are a few easy ways to alleviate those fears and prevent cavities from forming in the first place. Here are a few tips, courtesy of Dr. Brian LaBombard and his expert team at Airport Dental Care in Austin, Texas.

Brush and floss

We know, you’ve heard this advice since you were little. There’s a reason — it works! Brush your teeth at least twice a day, making sure to get all sides of your teeth. This helps rid your teeth of plaque and bacteria, preventing the beginnings of cavity-causing decay. 

You should also floss at least once a day to remove food debris from between your teeth. Leaving food between your teeth starts you down the road to decay, so make sure to floss.

Eat and drink healthy

Eating well plays a big role in your dental health. Limit the amount of sugary snacks and drinks you consume — sugar leads to plaque buildup and tooth decay, which leads straight to cavities. Instead, eat healthy snacks and drink lots of water to slow down the development of cavities.

Get regular cleanings

Visiting your dentist for regular checkups and X-rays prevents plaque from building up and lets your dentist identify and address any small issues that could turn into bigger problems down the road. Dr. LaBombard recommends twice-yearly checkups in most cases.

Your dentist and hygienist have strong, professional tools that clean your teeth better than you can with just a toothbrush. They also check for cavities that can only be seen with X-rays.

Chew sugarless gum

This one may surprise you, but certain types of sugarless gum can actually prevent cavities by increasing the flow of saliva in your mouth. Look for the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance on the next pack of sugarless gum that you buy.

To schedule your next professional cleaning to help stave off those cavities, call the Airport Dental Care office or book your own appointment with our convenient online scheduler. We can get your teeth sparkling clean and set you up for success in the fight against cavities.