How to Prevent Cavities in Adults: Proven Tips for Healthy Teeth!

Whilst we may think that once we’re adults we won’t suffer from tooth decay, many of us have the misconception that cavities only affect young children who eat lots of sweets. However, as adults we are more likely to suffer from issues such as receding gums, exposed root surfaces, dry mouths due to medication and old dental fillings. So we need to look after our teeth properly with daily techniques, healthy eating and professional dental care.

Here is a complete guide to help you avoid any tooth decay with some scientifically proven methods.

How Do Cavities Occur?

Before you can prevent tooth decay you need to know how it occurs.

How Does Plaque Build-Up Occur?

The harmful bacteria in your mouth will combine with saliva and food to create a sticky film known as plaque.

How Does Acid Production Occur?

Every time you eat something with carbohydrates and sugars the bacteria in the plaque will feed off this and produce damaging acids.

How Does Enamel Loss Occur?

These acids will cause loss of vital minerals such as calcium and phosphate from your enamel.

How Do Cavities Develop?

Over time the enamel will start to wear away causing holes, these are known as cavities.

How Should You Brush And Floss To Prevent Cavities?

Brushing and flossing correctly daily will help to prevent plaque build-up. If you don’t brush correctly or floss, then large areas of your teeth will be left unprotected.

How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth?

Ensure that you spend 2 minutes brushing your teeth both in the morning and at night. At night is particularly important as there is less saliva produced.

How Should You Angle Your Toothbrush?

Angle your toothbrush so that the bristles are at 45 degrees to your gum-line. Use soft circular motions to clean your teeth.

How Often Should You Floss?

Use dental floss, inter-dental brushes or a water flosser to clean between all your teeth. Use this method every evening.

Should You Scrape Your Tongue Daily?

Use a tongue scraper to gently remove bacteria from your tongue.

How Can Fluoride Products Help Prevent Cavities?

One of the most well researched and effective minerals you can use to prevent decay is fluoride. It helps to strengthen your teeth and reverse early signs of decay.

Should You Use Fluoride Toothpaste?

Use a high quality fluoride toothpaste. This will bond to the natural minerals in your enamel creating a fluorapatite. This substance is much more resistant to acid than natural enamel.

Should You Use Fluoride Mouthwash?

Use an alcohol free fluoride mouthwash. This will help to clean hard to reach areas.

When Do You Need High Concentration Prescriptions?

If your dentist thinks that you’re at a higher risk of root cavities or dry mouth they can prescribe you a high concentration fluoride toothpaste.

Can Fluoride Varnishes Help Prevent Tooth Decay?

Ask your dentist to apply high concentration fluoride varnishes. You can ask them to do this at your 6 monthly check ups.

How Does Dry Mouth Increase The Risk Of Cavities?

Saliva helps to protect your teeth from tooth decay. It will wash away any loose food, remove damaging acids and provide your enamel with important calcium and phosphate.

Can Prescription Medication Cause Dry Mouth?

There are over 400 common prescription medications such as blood pressure medication, anti-histamines and anti-depressants. These can all cause dry mouth (xerostomia).

How Much Water Should You Drink?

Drink regular amounts of water throughout the day. This will help to keep you hydrated.

Can Sugar Free Chewing Gum Help With Dry Mouth?

Chew sugar free chewing gum containing xylitol. This will encourage natural saliva production and stop cavity causing bacteria from sticking to your enamel.

Can Saliva Replacement Gels/Sprays Help?

If you suffer from dry mouth at night use over-the-counter saliva replacement gels/sprays. Apply these just before going to bed.

How Can You Limit Sugary And Acidic Foods?

The food you eat will have an impact on the environment in your mouth. The bacteria will feed off the sugars and simple carbohydrates causing acid to be produced.

How Can You Limit Sugary Snacks?

Try to limit how often you eat sugary foods such as snacks, pastries, candies and dried fruits. This will cause constant acid attacks on your teeth.

Which Sugary And Acidic Drinks Should You Avoid?

Avoid drinking fizzy drinks, sports drinks, sweet teas and shop bought fruit juices. These all have high amounts of sugar and strong acids that will cause your enamel to wear away quickly.

Should You Rinse Your Mouth With Water After Eating?

After eating rinse your mouth with water. This will help to remove any remaining acids.

Why Shouldn’t You Brush Straight After Eating?

Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after eating acidic foods such as citrus fruits and vinegar dressings. Whilst your enamel is weakened by the acid you will be rubbing away microscopic layers of your teeth.

Which Foods Help Strengthen Enamel?

Although some foods will harm your smile, eating foods that are high in nutrients will help repair your enamel and strengthen your jaw bone.

Which Foods Are Rich In Calcium?

Yogurt, milk, cheese and plant based milks will provide your teeth with essential calcium.

Which Foods Are Rich In Phosphorus?

Lean meat, eggs, fish, nuts and seeds will provide you with phosphorus. This mineral will work with the calcium to repair your enamel.

Can Crunchy Fiber Rich Vegetables Help Your Teeth?

Chew crunchy raw vegetables such as celery, carrots and broccoli. These will encourage natural saliva production as they take a lot of chewing. They will also help to clean your teeth.

Can Green And Black Teas Help Prevent Cavities?

Drink unsweetened green and black teas. These contain natural plant compounds called polyphenols to stop bacteria growing.

How Can You Protect Receding Gums And Exposed Roots?

As we age, aggressive brushing, gum disease or natural wear can cause our gums to recede and expose our roots. These don’t have the hard enamel covering and will start to decay quickly when exposed to plaque.

Which Toothbrush Should You Use For Receding Gums?

Only use a soft bristled manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor. Hard bristles will cause damage to your roots and cause your gums to recede.

How Should You Brush Gently?

Avoid scrubbing your teeth with force. Use the tips of the soft bristles to clean.

What Should You Do About Gum Bleeding And Inflammation?

If your gums are bleeding or inflamed visit your dentist to have treatment such as scaling & root planing.

Can Desensitizing Toothpastes Protect Sensitive Roots?

Use desensitizing toothpastes for sensitive roots. This will help to seal the open nerve tubules and protect your dentin.

How Often Should You Visit The Dentist To Prevent Cavities?

No matter how good your home care is, you should still visit your dentist. They can help identify any small cavities and clean your teeth using specialist equipment.

Should You Visit Your Dentist Every 6 Months?

Visit your dentist every 6 months for a full check up and cleaning.

How Does Tartar Removal Help Prevent Cavities?

Allow your hygienist to use their special ultrasound tools to remove any tartar. This can’t be removed with brushing at home.

Can Digital X-Rays Identify Cavities?

Have regular low radiation digital x-rays. This will help identify any cavities between your teeth.

When Should You Replace Old Fillings?

Allow your dentist to check your old silver amalgam or tooth colored fillings. Any old fillings that are worn, cracked or leaking should be replaced. This will stop bacteria getting into the gaps underneath.

Can Dental Sealants Help Adults Prevent Cavities?

Many people think that dental sealants are only useful for children. However if you have deep grooves on your chewing surfaces they can be very beneficial.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a thin liquid plastic that is painted onto your back molars. This seals your teeth to stop food and bacteria entering.

How Do Dental Sealants Seal Deep Grooves?

They will smooth over the small grooves in your teeth. These can’t be reached with a toothbrush.

Are Dental Sealants Painless?

Dental sealants are applied quickly by your dentist. There is no pain as no drilling, needles or anesthetic is used.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

They are strong and will last several years. They will protect your teeth from bacteria.

What Are The Top Tips To Prevent Cavities As An Adult?

• Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day for 2 minutes. Use a soft bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste.

• Floss between all your teeth every evening. Use dental floss, inter-dental brushes or a water flosser.

• Drink plenty of fresh water throughout the day. This will encourage natural saliva production.

• Limit eating sugary foods, sticky foods, fizzy drinks and acidic drinks.

• Wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after eating acidic foods.

• Chew sugar free chewing gum with xylitol after eating.

• Use an alcohol free fluoride mouthwash or high dose fluoride toothpaste if you suffer with receding gums or dry mouth.

• Visit your dentist every 6 months for a check up and deep clean.

What Are The Frequently Asked Questions About Preventing Cavities?

Can You Get Cavities Under Fillings Or Crowns?

Unfortunately many adults suffer from secondary decay under or around their fillings and crowns. Over time the bonding between your teeth and fillings/crowns will weaken due to the natural chewing forces. Bacteria will enter the tiny gaps causing hidden decay that can only be identified with digital x-rays.

Can You Get Cavities If You Have Dry Mouth?

Yes, having dry mouth can put you at a higher risk of aggressive tooth decay. Saliva helps to neutralize the acid produced by bacteria and provides your teeth with calcium to help repair your enamel. Without enough saliva, the bacteria in plaque will cause uncontrolled acid attacks and cause quick decay along your gum-line and roots.

Can An Early Cavity Repair Itself?

Yes, if you have an early stage cavity that has only affected the top layer of your enamel (small white spot) it can repair itself. If you improve your flossing, use a high dose fluoride toothpaste and reduce eating sugary foods you can help to restore the vital minerals to your enamel and stop the decay.

Why Are Adults More At Risk Of Tooth Decay?

As we age we are more likely to suffer from cavities. Our gums will naturally recede exposing our roots. We are more likely to be on long term medication causing dry mouth. Our enamel will also have worn away due to constant chewing. All of this with old worn fillings create perfect conditions for secondary decay if we don’t look after our teeth properly.

Preventing cavities as an adult can be done with some proactive techniques. By brushing correctly, flossing daily, using fluoride products and visiting your dentist every 6 months you can help to protect your natural teeth. This will keep your enamel strong and give you a healthy functioning smile.