The holiday season usually involves indulging in sweets and drinking alcohol. Don't let us get in the way of the holiday spirit! Here are some ways to avoid cavities along the way.
1) Drink lots of water
Water flushes your mouth of harmful sugar and acid, helping to keep your teeth healthy. The longer sugar and acid sit on your teeth, the more damage can be done. Sipping on coffee filled with sugar and cream is more detrimental than quickly drinking iced coffee with no sugar or cream. Drinking from a straw can limit the contact of sugary or acidic liquids between your front teeth. Cavities can develop between your front teeth but are much more common between back teeth. This is because food and drinks that contain sugar and acid will sit on your teeth and between your teeth. The long exposure time will allow the bacteria on your teeth to multiply and eat away at your teeth. Constantly rinsing your mouth with water will help get rid of the sugar and acid.
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2) Brush and floss
Something that will never change – brushing and flossing will prevent cavities. Properly brushing for at least two minutes twice a day and flossing between meals will greatly help prevent cavities. Obviously, brushing and flossing correctly is the most important part, but most people struggle to just complete the simple task of doing it. There's a reason why every dental office stresses brushing and flossing – it's because your home care is the most important part to your oral health. The routine professional dental cleanings are just to help ensure your oral health and to reinforce good habits.
3) Limit food and drinks high in sugar and acidity
This probably seems obvious too and it's easier said than done, but bacteria love sugar and your teeth hate acidic environments. The best scenario for cavities to form is from things such as sodas – high in sugar and acidic. The acid breaks down enamel and bacteria multiply from the endless supply of sugar. Combine this with candy, ice cream, etc. every day and you have a recipe for several cavities. Cavity progression can be very quick when there is a perfect storm of acid and sugar, so limiting the foods and drinks you consume that contain sugar and acid would be best for your oral health.
Dr. Thomas is a general dentist that loves sharing information about all aspects of dentistry, but is passionate about digital and implant dentistry. Dr. Thomas received his DMD degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and continues to find helpful ways to inform and educate people about dental procedures and products.
Are you looking for a second opinion? Dr. Thomas is the CEO of Opinion Two Nonprofit Organization. Opinion Two is available online or on mobile app and it allows patients to receive dental second opinions with top US-licensed dentists. All proceeds are used to benefit future generations of dentists through scholarships and benefits to pre-dental programs.