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| Welcome back to our cavity prevention series! Yesterday, we learned what cavities are and how they form. Today, we’ll focus on simple daily habits that can stop cavities before they start. |
| Brushing: Your first line of defense |
| The most important habit for cavity prevention is proper brushing:
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Brush twice a day for 2 minutes each time. |
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Use gentle, circular motions (not hard scrubbing). |
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Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months when the bristles look worn. |
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Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria. |
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| Pro tip: Consider toothpaste with baking soda, which can be more effective at removing plaque and is safe for enamel.
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| Flossing reaches where brushes can’t |
| Brushing only removes plaque from the front and back surfaces of your teeth. Flossing once daily helps remove food particles and plaque between teeth.
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| If traditional floss is hard to use, try floss picks, water flossers, or interdental brushes. Water flossers with manual brushing can be 29% more effective at removing plaque than string floss with brushing.
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| Watch what you eat and drink |
| What you consume has a huge impact on cavity risk:
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Avoid frequent snacking since each time you eat, bacteria produce acid for 20+ minutes. |
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Choose tooth-friendly foods like cheese, yogurt, leafy greens, and crunchy fruits and vegetables. They’re rich in the vitamins and minerals that support dental health. |
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Drink more water, especially tap water with fluoride. |
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Chew sugar-free gum with xylitol after meals when you can’t brush. |
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| Managing dry mouth |
| Dry mouth greatly increases cavity risk because saliva helps protect your teeth. If you often wake up with a dry mouth:
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Cut down on or eliminate coffee and caffeinated sodas. |
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| Smart products for cavity prevention |
| Having the right tools makes cavity prevention easier! Optum Now offers a wide selection of quality oral care products, from fluoride toothpastes to specialized brushes and floss options. They even have eco-friendly options like bamboo toothbrushes.
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