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Caries is an oral disease characterized by the presence of cariogenic microorganisms on the dental surface, which metabolize sugars and convert them into acids that weaken the teeth.
The prevention of this oral pathology is a global problem. For this reason, it is necessary to educate the population in this area and contemplate preventive and didactic measures from childhood.
Knowing how to prevent cavities can help today’s children have better oral health tomorrow.
To avoid the appearance of dental caries, it is essential to pay attention to factors such as diet, proper oral hygiene, and regular visits to the dentist.
How to prevent the appearance of caries?
Feeding
Repeated consumption of sugar alters the levels of bacteria present in the oral cavity, which converts sugar into acids that demineralize tooth enamel.
To prevent tooth decay, it is essential to avoid certain products such as juices with a high concentration of sugar, carbonated soft drinks, industrial pastries, or sweets.
Another effective measure to limit the consumption of free sugars is to replace sucrose with other types of sweeteners with less capacity for dental erosion.
Oral hygiene routine
A key factor in the appearance of cavities is maintaining good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth using the proper technique and using tools, such as dental floss and mouthwash, ensure optimal oral cleaning.
In addition, attention should be paid to the interdental spaces, the gum line, and the tongue, since they are areas of difficult access where bacterial plaque tends to accumulate.
Regarding the brushing technique, the best option is to brush the teeth slowly and gently, with movements from top to bottom and back to front.
Finally, as preventing cavities is essential for our oral health, we must bear in mind that it is necessary to renew the toothbrush every three months since at this time it stops adequately fulfilling its function.
Go to the dentist
First of all, our trusted dentist will guide us properly to know how to prevent cavities, so visits to his office should be regular. It is advisable to go at least once a year, except in patients with some risk, to carry out a review of the status of the patient’s oral cavity and perform a professional oral cleaning.
This preventive measure, like the previous ones, helps the teeth remain healthy and strong while facilitating the early detection of any oral pathology.
Use of fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride is an effective component in the prevention of dental caries. This element is present in both toothpaste and mouthwashes.
The main advantage of using this ingredient is that it strengthens tooth enamel while increasing resistance to demineralization. In this way, it fights caries and acts against cariogenic microorganisms in dental plaque.
However, although fluorinated mouthwashes are useful, the General Council of Dentists reminds that these oral hygiene supplements do not replace brushing, which is the most effective method to control the bacterial plaque that adheres to the teeth.
Crack sealing
Fissure sealing is a technique capable of stopping the development of dental caries by forming a barrier that protects the most sensitive area of the tooth.
Through this procedure, the fissures present in the enamel are filled and bacterial activity is prevented.
Children prevention
In the case of children, in addition to following the above preventive measures, supervision by parents, who know best how to prevent cavities, is essential. They are the ones who have to transfer that importance to the little ones.
The attitude and participation of adults help to instill good oral hygiene habits and, consequently, to prevent the appearance of dental caries.