Are you tired of struggling with dental cavities? Do you wonder if more could be done to prevent them? If so, you’re not alone. The vast majority of adults in America will deal with dental decay during their lives, yet cavities are preventable. Through a combination of excellent dental hygiene and regular checkups and cleanings it is possible to preserve your oral health, and prevent cavities! You just need to heed your general dentist’s advice, about what is required to adequately care for your teeth!

What Dental Hygiene Is Really Needed?

Many people know how important it is that they brush their teeth, and do in fact follow through with this key dental care. Yet few people commit to regular flossing, which is just as essential to preventing cavities as well as other oral health threats, like gum disease.

Flossing can help to prevent problems, by helping to remove food particles and bacteria from between teeth. By limiting plaque’s ability to calcify onto the teeth, this can greatly reduce the chance of a host of dental problems, including cavities, as the acidic erosion caused by plaque buildup is the primary cause of most cavities.

Why Are Routine Dental Checkups Also Essential?

Regular professional dental care is also essential to keeping the teeth and gums healthy, because only a dentist can help remove tartar buildup once it has hardened onto the surface of the teeth. Most patients should visit the dentist at least twice a year, for checkups and cleanings, though some people may require more frequent visits. A person’s lifestyle, such as whether or not he or she consumes a diet high in sugar, genetic issues and other factors can all contribute to the likelihood of developing cavities. So at your next dental visit, it is best to ask the dentist how frequently you need dental cleanings to effectively combat plaque buildup, and therefore keep your smile healthy and cavity-free.