3 of 4

Write now Article Tools

This is easier said then done. After all how many of us have occasionally gone to bed without brushing and yet there are those who do everything by the book and still have cavities. It is easy for the dentist to dictate their terms . Most of them don't eat sweets and so don't have such problems. Preventing cavities starts at an early age and is a parent's responsibility . Supervising toothbrushing or helping a child brush twice a day helps prevent cavities. It is good to avoid sweets as snacks and limit sweets to meal times.This helps to develop good habits. Most adults can prevent cavities by brushing their teeth and minimizing refined sugars in their daily diet. Use of fluoride toothpastes and flossing helps as well. Use of sugar substitutes can help individuals who have a sweet tooth.

Using a fluoride mouthwash can help . There are certain formulations aimed to give a higher dose of fluoride . The preparations of toothpaste and mouthwash are obtained on prescription form a dentist. A normal toothpaste contains 1500ppm of fluoride but higher concentrations of up to 2000 -5000ppm can be used . Duraphat is one such brand name.

In young children efforts can be made to strengthen the developing teeth by fluoride supplements in the diet . However it needs careful consideration of how much fluoride is already in the diet as too much can discolour the teeth. Supplements can be in the forms of drops or even added to the diet in milk and salt. Most developed countries have fluoride added to the water at 1 ppm.

Eliminating plaque by frequent and effective brushing can help. Use of inter dental toothbrushes to eliminate plaque between teeth and flossing can help to clean plaque between teeth and is most important to prevent cavities between teeth . Flossing at least once a day can prevent cavities between teeth.

Another way to tackle the problem is to avoid refined sugars in the form of cakes, chocolates, candy and confectionery and to use sugar substitutes in the diet. Eating more fruits and vegetables is a way to get a balanced and healthy diet and avoid the need for sugary snacks.

A lot can be gained by personal effort and mostly dental decay is due to lack of attention on how to prevent it . It is parental responsibility to instill good eating habits in children and good oral hygiene practices .However there are an unfortunate few who despite all that they do will have cavities due to no fault of their own!

Learn more about this author, TF.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How to prevent cavities?
We want to hear your view. Write now!