6 Cavity Fighting Tips

The only best way to treat a cavity is to not have one in the first place! To help ensure a bright and healthy smile, remember these basics:  
 
Drink Water: Water rinses away the food particles, acids, and sugars from your teeth and gums. Fluoridated water, available to about 75% of the United States, provides a substance called fluoride. Fluoride helps protect teeth from the acid that causes cavities.
Stay away from water additives such as citrus. Remember that constant exposure to such acids is bad for your teeth. Stick with plain water when you can; your teeth will thank you!
 
Eat Balanced Meals: Eat a diet full of calcium-rich food, such as cheese, milk, and low-sugar yogurt. Protein-rich foods such as meat, poultry, fish, and milk are excellent sources of phosphorus, which, alongside calcium, helps to build tooth enamel. Avoid food products with lots of added sugars.
 
Brush: Brush your teeth! Two minutes, twice a day, with an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and short, back-and forth strokes. Be sure to brush the inside, outside, and chewing surfaces of each tooth. To brush the inner surface of the front teeth, tilt brush vertically and make short up-and-down strokes.
 
Floss: Floss once a day. Scraping the plaque from between teeth helps reduce risk of cavities by reducing the amount of acid-producing bacteria present in the mouth.
 
Chew Gum: Chewing ADA-approve sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after a meal can help prevent cavities by stimulating saliva production. Saliva is your body’s natural defense against cavities, providing fortifying nutrients and disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth. Do not try to substitute gum-chewing for tooth-brushing! It is not a substitute.
 
Visit Your Dentist: Of course, visiting your dentist regularly will help! Regular dental visits help catch any problems early, providing you with the best protection against cavities.

Call Bin Park, DDS at 951-898-5658 today to schedule your appointment!