Prevention is the key

  • Published
  • By Maj. (Dr.) Joanna S. McPherson
  • 47th Medical Group Dental Clinic
LAUGHLIN AFB, Texas --  In this day and age more people are showing concern about their dental health. They are more aware of the importance of good oral hygiene and are afraid of getting cavities. So, the question often comes up in the dental clinic: "How do I prevent myself from getting cavities?"

There are many ways to prevent yourself from getting cavities. Most importantly, you need to brush at least twice a day and floss once a day. The recommendation by the American Dental Association is brush after every meal. 

When brushing your teeth, make sure you that you use an ADA approved toothpaste, These products have been proven clinically to prevent cavities. The active ingredient in most toothpaste that helps prevent decay is fluoride. In some water sources, fluoride may be present either naturally or added to the water supply. If you think that you are high risk for cavities it is a good idea to speak with your dentist. 

He or she may recommend giving you higher concentrations of fluoride via: gels, mouth rinses or Fluoride supplements.

Here are some simple tips to help you protect your teeth from decay:

1. Cut down on sweets and between meal snacks. Remember it is sugary and starchy foods that put your teeth at extra risk.

2. Chew sugarless gum. Chewing sugarless gum increases your saliva flow and cleans your teeth out at the same time.

3. Drink water, not sodas. Sodas contain acid and sugar that the bacteria that causes cavities love. Water will not only help clean your mouth, but will decrease the acidity level.
4. Brush after every meal and floss daily. Cavities begin in hard to clean areas like in between your teeth and in the pits and fissures of your teeth. Use ADA approved toothpastes and a soft-bristled toothbrush. For children under 6-years-old, use a pea size amount of toothpaste and have them spit out as much as they can.

5. Visit your dentist annually for cleanings and routine checkups. You do not want to wait until you feel the pain in your mouth. Remember the longer you wait the more your teeth decay.

For further questions, call your local dentist or call the dental clinic at 298-6332.