“Kids get a lot more cavities compared to adults.” Many people are guilty of thinking this way at least once in their lives. Unfortunately that sentiment is nothing more than a myth, as discussed in an article from WebMD. After all, adults who do not practice good oral hygiene are no less at risk of developing cavities than children. In fact, tooth decay in general has hit epidemic proportions in the United States, with 9 out of every 10 people age 20 years or older having some form of tooth decay.
Fortunately, preventing cavities isn’t an overly difficult task. The standard rules of brushing your teeth after every meal and seeing your Raleigh, NC dentist once every six months should be enough to prevent most instances of cavities.
Of course, those two rules are considered the bare minimum. If you truly want to minimize the risk of developing cavities, there are a few extra steps you have to take. In particular, experienced dentists in Raleigh, NC, such as the professionals at Gover and Gover Dentistry, suggest that you take the following measures to prevent cavities:
Time Your Brush Properly
While brushing your teeth after every meal is highly recommended, make sure you don’t rush to the bathroom the moment you take that last bite. The acidic content of your meal often leaves tooth enamel much softer than it usually is. If you brush your teeth too early, you risk scrubbing away the natural protective layer of your teeth. As a rule of thumb, wait at least 30 minutes after eating before you pick up your toothbrush.
Chew Sugar Free Gum
Constant snacking wears out your teeth much faster, leaving them susceptible to decay. Additionally, the constant presence of food promotes the growth of bacteria that causes tooth decay in the first place. The next time you get the hankering to snack, grab a stick of sugar free gum instead. Aside from limiting the exposure of your teeth to sugar, the gum will also stimulate the production of saliva. This is a desired outcome as saliva washes away bacteria and aids the remineralization process of tooth enamel.
Get Dental Sealants
Certain foods like potato chips and candies have a tendency to stick to the surface of your teeth. To prevent this from happening, you may want to visit your dentist and request for dental sealants. A dental sealant is a durable plastic coating that is applied directly to the chewing surface of your teeth. This layer serves to shield your teeth from food debris that fuels the tooth decay process.
(Source: 15 Myths and Facts About Cavities; WebMD)
