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Preventing Cavities
| To prevent your teeth from decaying, you can do two things:
1. Strengthen your teeth's defenses with fluoride and sealants
2. Reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth.
Fluoride strengthens teeth by penetrating the tooth structure and replacing lost minerals to repair acid damage. You should brush with a fluoride toothpaste every day. Dental offices sometimes recommend additional toothpastes, gels and mouthrinses for both children and adults.
Sealants are protective coatings placed over the tops of chewing teeth. They block bacteria and acids from sticking in the tiny grooves on the chewing surfaces of these teeth. Children should get sealants soon after their teeth erupt into the mouth. You can control bacteria by brushing regularly and flossing daily, seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly for a thorough cleaning and check-up, and reducing the number of times each day that you consume fermentable carbohydrates.
Some prescription mouthwashes can help prevent decay by reducing the number of bacteria in the mouth. Chewing sugarless gums can help reduce decay and increase the flow of saliva. | | Send this story to a friend | Printer Friendly |
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