You’re not alone in your fight against cavities, it’s a joint effort with your dentist and hygienist. To ensure that you are taking the right steps, though, you need to be sure to visit them regularly to stay on track. Tooth decay leads to cavities, and this can be caused by several factors, including general wear and tear.

Mouth bacteria feeds on sugar and carbohydrates to product acids that eat away at the enamel, which creates weak spots in your teeth- or cavities. It can also lead to more serious problems, such as infections, periodontal disease, abscesses, and open nerve endings.

Tooth decay can be caused by a host of things, but how can you prevent tooth decay to ensure you remain relatively cavity free?

Fluoride

At the very minimum, you should be brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Ideally, you should do so after each meal. Fluoride nourished damaged enamel. While many of us live in areas with fluoride in the water, we cannot rely on that solely.

You can also have a topical fluoride applied to your teeth at the dentist’s office after a routine teeth cleaning, it’s generally the final step. Additionally, systematic fluoride is available in tablet or drop form and is an excellent option for preventing tooth decay- it can be prescribed by your dentist.

If you have a history of cavities, you should consider rinsing with a fluoride mouth wash.

Xylitol

Xylitol is found naturally in many vegetables and fruits and is a substance that greatly reduces the risk of tooth decay. The recommended portion of xylitol is between 4 and 20 grams a day, over three servings or more.

It neutralizes acid and kick starts the production of saliva to prevent enamel from attack. You may find it difficult to get an ample portion through natural products, which is why you will find it in chewing gum.

Sealants

A tooth sealant is a thin plastic coat that acts as a smooth barrier on the surface of the back teeth. Tooth decay tends to start in the pits or fissures that can be difficult to clean properly. Sealants are safe for any age and are recommended for people who are cavity prone. The CDC has recommended sealants for all children of school age.

The process takes just minutes per tooth and the results last for a decade, provided good oral hygiene is maintained. However, regular dentist visits will check to ensure the sealants are still intact.

Sealants, fluoride treatments, and xylitol alone cannot stop tooth decay, nor can these erase the effects of decaying teeth and a poor diet. It’s important that these are used in conjunction with good oral hygiene, and regular dentist visits.

Ensure that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss properly. At a minimum, you should make an annual appointment to see your dentist and have a check-up and a teeth cleaning completed. Your dentist can advise you if you need more than a yearly visit, or perhaps less.