How to Prevent Cavities

According to the CDC, over 50% of teens and about 90% of adults have had at least one cavity in their lifetime. Cavities are extremely common—but also highly preventable with the right habits and care.

What Causes Cavities?

Cavities are caused by bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria feed on sugars and carbohydrates from your diet and produce acids that wear away at your enamel. Most cavities start between the teeth, where it’s harder to clean without flossing.

What Can You Do at Home to Prevent Cavities?

Preventing cavities starts with a consistent and thorough oral hygiene routine. Here are key tools and habits that make a big difference:

• Clean between your teeth daily using floss, floss picks, or interdental brushes (like Soft-Piks or proxybrushes).
• Use a water flosser—they act like a gentle power washer for hard-to-reach areas.
• Choose fluoride toothpaste, which contains a higher concentration of fluoride than water or food. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and makes your teeth more resistant to acid attacks.

Remember, the longer fluoride stays on your teeth, the more beneficial it is—so avoid rinsing right after brushing!

What Does the Dentist Do to Help Prevent Cavities?

At Plano Family Dental, we go beyond the basics to help you maintain strong, cavity-free teeth. Here’s how:

• Annual x-rays help detect cavities early, before they cause pain or require major work.
• Our hygienists clean between your teeth using professional tools and a Cavitron scaler to remove hardened plaque.
• We offer fluoride varnish treatments for both children and adults. This high-concentration varnish stays on the teeth for hours and is absorbed into the enamel.
• For high-risk patients, Dr. Varun Joseph may recommend silver diamine fluoride, which can halt the progression of active cavities.

When to Ask for Help

If you're unsure about the right homecare products or whether your toothpaste is doing enough, our team is here to help. We believe in preventive dentistry that protects your natural teeth and keeps your smile healthy for years to come.

To schedule your next cleaning or learn more about cavity prevention, book an appointment online or call us directly at (972) 867-5090. Let’s keep your teeth strong, clean, and cavity-free!

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