Cavities and tooth decay effect people across all contents and socioeconomic barriers. There are many ways that people can prevent cavities. Tooth decay is the second most common disease in America behind only the common cold. Here are some ways how to prevent cavities.

1. Follow Oral Hygiene Best Practices.

Many people have heard it over and over again, the best way to prevent cavities is to brush and floss. Brushing your teeth removes food particles and bacteria that can produce acid that will eat the tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Flossing in conjunction with twice daily brushing is the most recommended method of tooth decay prevention. Flossing removes debris and buildup between teeth, and helps prevent cavities from forming in those spaces.

2. Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet

Nutrition can play a large role in oral health. Limiting or eliminating sugary beverages and snacks is one of the ways to prevent tooth decay. Diets heavy in processed foods and beverages like cola have been known to weaken tooth enamel and increase the possibility of cavities developing.

3. Regular Dental Cleanings

Annual visits to the dentist are not only good when you have cavities, seeing a dentist for regular cleanings can also help you prevent cavities. During an appointment a hygienist will deeply clean and polish all surfaces of your teeth. While the experience may be unpleasant, the removal of tartar build up can prevent cavities and tooth decay. During your exam you may also have x rays performed to help diagnose any problems that may have developed. Early treatment of cavities will keep them from growing bigger and possibly developing into a situation that would require a root canal or removal of the tooth.

4. Chew Sugarless Gum

One of the more counter intuitive ways for preventing tooth decay, is to chew sugarless gum. The American Dental Association says that chewing sugarless gum can help people produce greater amounts of saliva, helping to prevent cavities.