Ways to prevent cavities

1. Regular Oral Hygiene:

Brush Properly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time, using fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush all surfaces of your teeth.

Floss Daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles between teeth and along the gumline. Use dental floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser.

 

2. Natural Toothpaste and Mouthwash:

Homemade Toothpaste: Mix baking soda with water to create a natural toothpaste. Baking soda helps neutralise acids and has mild abrasive properties.

Coconut Oil Pulling: Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes before spitting it out. Some people find this practice beneficial for oral health.

 

3. Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks:

Avoid Sugary Snacks: Minimise consumption of candies, sugary beverages, and sweets. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that erode tooth enamel.

Natural Sweeteners: If you need sweetness, opt for natural sweeteners like Stevia, which do not contribute to tooth decay.

 

4. Eat Tooth-Healthy Foods:

Calcium-Rich Foods: Consume dairy products, leafy greens, and almonds. Calcium strengthens tooth enamel.

Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, carrots, and celery act as natural toothbrushes, cleaning teeth as you chew.

Green Tea: Rich in antioxidants, green tea has compounds that fight bacteria. Drink it without sugar for oral health benefits. But this is not recommend for everyone.

 

5. Chew Sugarless Gum:

Xylitol Gum: Chewing gum containing xylitol can stimulate saliva production, which washes away acids and helps repair enamel.

 

6. Stay Hydrated with Water:

Drink Fluoridated Water: Fluoridated water strengthens enamel. Carry a reusable water bottle and sip water throughout the day.

Rinse After Meals: If you can't brush after meals, rinse your mouth with water to remove food particles and acids.

 

7. Natural Antibacterial Agents:

Tea Tree Oil: A drop of tea tree oil diluted in water can act as a natural mouthwash due to its antibacterial properties. Use it sparingly.

 

8. Stress Reduction:

Manage Stress: Stress can weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight oral bacteria. Practice stress-reducing activities like meditation or yoga.