What causes cavities? Germs in your mouth eat the sugar in your food and produce acids. These acids eventually dissolve teeth, creating the holes we call cavities.
Cavities are Preventable
- Brush your teeth at least twice each day with fluoride toothpaste (ADA seal of acceptance). Swish the toothpaste around in your mouth after brushing and then spit it out. Do not rinse during or after brushing so the toothpaste coats the teeth.
- Clean between your teeth with floss at least once a day
- Use a fluoride rinse, (ACT, .05% Sodium Fluoride) after brushing once a day – before bed if possible
- Use the prescription topical fluoride paste like Clinpro 5000
- Use the prescription chlorohexidine rinse (Peridex or Periogard) once per day for 2 weeks, followed by once per week until next dental visit. (Do not use toothpaste before or after rinsing – dry toothbrush without toothpaste.) Swish the rinse for 1 minute. Do not rinse or eat for at least one hour.
- Limit your intake of soda pop (maximum of 12oz/day), juices, energy drinks, sports drinks, coffee with sugar, candy and snack foods, i.e. chips, crackers, and cookies. (Milk is a good beverage of choice.)
- Use xylitol containing products (sugar-free gum or mints) after meals. (Chew the gum up to 5 minutes.)
- ACP or liquid calcium (age defying toothpaste by Arm & Hammer)
If you have any questions, please call our office at 443-6160.
After decay is removed