Oral hygiene is necessary to prevent cavities. This consists of regular professional cleaning at least every six months, brushing twice a day and flossing at least daily.X-rays might be taken to detect cavity development in high risk carious mouth. A dental cavity is a burn caused by acidic bacterial byproducts. Of the millions of bacteria present in the mouth, there is one type that feeds on sugar – Streptococcus Mutans. These types of bacteria like to build its own habitat much like a spider builds its web. This habitat is called plaque. Plaque is tooth coloured sticky substance that may be invisible to you. In a dental office dentist may help you see it by applying a disclosing solution. Each time you eat food containing sugars or starches your teeth are exposed to bacterial acids for 20 minutes of more. This repeated acid attack can break down the enamel surface of your teeth leading to a cavity. If you must eat snack, rinse and take sugarless gums afterwards. A balance diet is also important.
Dental sealants can help prevent cavities on tooth chewing surface. The sealant is a thin plastic-like coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars. This coating prevents the accumulation of Plaque and debris on these venerable surfaces. Fluoride is often recommended to protect against dental cavities. It has been demonstrated that people who ingest fluoride in drinking water or by fluoride supplements have fewer dental cavities by up to 60%. Fluoride ingested when the teeth are developing is incorporated into the structure of enamel and protects it from the action of acids. Topical fluorides are also recommended to protect the surface of the teeth. This may include a fluoride toothpaste or your mouthwash. Many dentists include the application of topical fluoride applied to the localised area of the tooth as part of routine visits.