Is It Really Possible to Prevent Cavities?Have you heard the troubling statistics that the vast majority of adults in America will suffer from dental decay? Sadly, it is true that most Americans will deal with the dental caries commonly referred to as cavities. Some studies even indicate that nearly 90 percent of those over age 30 will be diagnosed with dental cavities. Fortunately, just because most people will struggle with cavities, it does not mean that they are not largely preventable. In fact, through a combination of excellent home hygiene, a healthy diet, and routine preventive dental care, it is possible to avoid cavities and other dental health threats. You just have to follow-up on each of these key factors in order to help maintain great oral health!

Your Hygiene Routines and Your Diet Will Impact Your Oral Health

Twice daily tooth brushing and daily flossing are keys in preventing dental problems, because they help remove food particles and bacteria from your mouth, lessening the likelihood of plaque buildup, which is responsible for acidic erosion. However, another simple way to avoid plaque buildup, is by choosing to eat a healthy diet made up of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and other nutrient-rich foods. Of course, avoiding sugary and starchy foods can also help, since the bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar. This is why people that eat a lot of candy, desserts and other sweetened products are far more likely to struggle with dental cavities than those that eat a predominantly plant-based diet.

Routine Checkups Are Another Key

Of course, visiting the dentist regularly is another key to oral health. Routine checkups and cleanings allow the dentist to carefully remove any plaque buildup that has developed, but they also provide him or her with a chance to look out for any burgeoning issues such as a dental cavity. So if it has been more than six months since your last checkup, be sure you schedule an appointment as soon as possible, in order to avoid cavities and other problems, such as gum disease.