Cavity Prevention

Most of the time cavities are due to a diet high in sugary foods and a lack of brushing.

Limiting sugar intake and brushing regularly, is the best way to prevent cavities.

Every time someone eats, an acid reaction occurs inside their mouth as the bacteria digest the sugars. This reaction lasts approximately 20 minutes. During this time the acid environment can destroy the tooth structure, eventually leading to cavities. The longer the acid residue stays on their teeth and the greater the chances of getting cavities.

Consistency of a person's saliva also makes a difference as thinner saliva breaks up and washes away food more quickly. When a person eats diets high in carbohydrates and sugars, they tend to have thicker saliva, which in turn produces more of the acid-producing bacteria that causes cavities.

Some tips for cavity prevention:

• Limit frequency of meals and snacks.
• Encourage brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
• Watch what you drink.
• Avoid sticky foods.
• Make treats part of meals.
• Choose nutritious snacks.