By Dr. Rajesh Bansal
Sugar-laden candy bars aren’t the only cause of cavities. Tooth decay actually results when bacteria in your mouth feed on food debris (starchy, sticky foods are a primary culprit) and produce acid as a by product. This mix of food, acid, saliva, and germs clings to your teeth as a filmy substance called plaque, which can erode teeth enamel and cause cavities to form.These germs can spread from mouth to mouth via shared food and utensils,sneezing, kissing, and more.
Here are tips for preventing cavity spread in your family:
1. Visit your dentist every 6 months.
2. Use mouth wash containing chlorhexidine,fluoride, xylitol.
3. Chew sugar-free gum between meals. Pick a brand with the artificial sweetener xylitol, and chew it three times a day for at least five minutes
4. Don’t over share. If you have young kids, avoid sharing utensils with them or tasting food before serving it to them. Cover your mouth when you sneeze, and if you’re really concerned, “may be kiss your kid on the cheek instead of the lips.
5. Brush frequently (in the morning, at night, and after meals), floss daily. With infants, clean your baby’s teeth with a soft cloth or gauze pad as soon as they start to come in; you can switch to a soft tooth brush when more teeth emerges.
