Did you know that almost all adults will experience at least one cavity during their lifetimes? Sadly, statistics routinely show that most people will need restorative treatment for a cavity at some point, and for many people often, in their lives. But, that doesn’t mean cavities are unavoidable; it just means preventive care is crucial to keeping them at bay. From great hygiene at home, to regular checkups with your preventive dentist, you can keep your smile looking and feeling great. So, if you care about the health of your smile smile there are several surprisingly simple steps that can be taken to reduce your chance of developing a cavity.

How Cavities Can Be Avoided

To prevent future cavities don’t skimp on daily hygiene. You need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day to help keep plaque at bay. You should also drink water throughout the day, and limit sugary beverages and foods, which can allow the bacteria to feed and wreak havoc on your smile. A well-balanced diet, limited sugar intake and plenty of water are all great aids in developing and maintaining healthy smiles!

Unfortunately for most people at-home care alone is often not enough to prevent plaque buildup, which can lead to both cavities and gum disease.

Don’t Skip Out on Dental Checkups

Regular professional cleanings are also essential. For most patients, this means attending a cleaning every six months to help remove any buildup and keep the teeth and gums healthy.

Once it has calcified, or hardened, plaque buildup can only be removed through a professional cleaning. So if you can already see buildup along your gumline it’s important that you schedule a dental appointment, as soon as possible. Removing plaque buildup is one of the most important ways your preventive dentist can help to restore your oral health and help to preserve your great smile!