Whether we're children or adults, one of the last things we want to deal with is a cavity, but thankfully with proper dental care, it is possible to prevent them and never get that depressing news from your dentist. We all know what happens when we get a cavity.

We go to the dentist and must get a filling put in so that our teeth don't suffer more damage. Most of us don't know all the steps to take to prevent getting cavities in the first place. We often rely on our dentist to check for us and to tell us whether we have a cavity or not.

Dental care to prevent cavities

Knowing the proper dental care routine is the first step to stopping yourself from getting cavities. Once you know all the things to do, it's all about putting them into practice. Here we will list the routine steps to prevent cavities and keep your teeth, tongue, throat, and gums as healthy as possible.

Many of the steps you probably already know, but there are a few that might surprise you.

Brush regularly

The first and most essential step to preventing cavities is to make sure that you brush your teeth regularly, at least twice a day. Brushing is the first line of defense to keep food particles, residue from the things we drink, and plaque buildup off our teeth. Brushing between meals and before bed is recommended, if possible, to keep your teeth during periods of heavy use.

Floss between teeth

Next, it is a good idea to invest in some dental floss or tooth flossing device. This is a second step to regular brushing. Since it is impossible to reach every corner with brushing alone, dental floss is the way to get into all those cracks and crevices between your teeth so that you can make sure debris doesn't build up in between teeth to cause cavities in places you don't usually see.

Use fluoride

Adding fluoride to your dental routine is the next step. Rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash and brushing with a toothpaste that contains fluoride will help to strengthen your teeth and prevent damage from daily eating and drinking. You may even consider taking supplemental fluoride to help strengthen your teeth even further.

Eat a balanced diet

Another part of your routine should be to eat a balanced diet so that you aren't subjecting your teeth to unnecessary damage by eating too many acidic foods and sugary drinks. Poor eating habits are one of the fastest ways to end up with a cavity. Avoiding sticky foods and carbohydrates is key to preventing cavities, particularly candy and other sweets, because the substances stay on the surface of teeth and cause damage over time.

Make sure to visit your dentist regularly for oral exams and cleanings. Consult with your dentist regarding any dental care products that could help protect your teeth. Contact us to schedule an appointment or visit our dental office in Boca Raton.