Cavities are a painful problem to deal with, and if left untreated they can turn into serious infections. Thankfully, preventing them isn’t too difficult—it just takes a few small adjustments on your part. Here are 10 easy ways that you can fight cavities yourself.
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
- Use mouthwash and floss at least once daily.
- Be sure that your toothpaste and mouthwash contain cavity-fighting fluoride.
- Visit the dentist every six months for a routine teeth cleaning.
- Chew sugarless gum after a meal—it’s been shown to neutralize cavity-causing bacteria.
- Reduce the amount of sugar you eat or drink on a daily basis.
- Drink water, or at least rinse your mouth out, after meals.
- Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables—they help remove plaque from your teeth.
- Protect your teeth from damage with dental sealants.
- Give up cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.