While most people understand that brushing your teeth twice daily is standard practise, flossing is also essential to ensure there is no debris between your teeth. Floss thoroughly but gently – avoid cutting into your gums with the floss. Remember that brushing needs to be done in a circular motion, rather than up and down or side to side. Eating a healthy balanced diet is also a very important part of dental hygiene and to avoid staining your teeth, rinse your mouth out with water after eating or drinking; if you feel you need to brush after each meal, wait an hour before doing so as brushing too soon could damage the enamel.

Catch the cavity before it develops

Regular dental appointments mean that your dentist can catch a cavity before it has properly developed. In this case, a dental sealant will be applied to protect your teeth. There’s no drilling or removal of enamel or dentin required and it’s a quick, easy and painless procedure that is a wonderful preventative. Sealants are completely clear or white, so they’re not noticeable at all and they can last for up to 10 years if cared for properly.

Just about everyone has a cavity in their lifetime, but because it’s such a common occurrence, that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. The sooner you address a cavity, the easier it is to deal with. A cavity is a hole in the enamel and dentin, which are the two hard layers that protect the soft pulp tissue inside. A cavity will weaken your tooth and the continuous pressure of chewing can cause the tooth to crack or break. Holes also enable food and bacteria to get deep inside the tooth and this means you are in danger of developing an abscess, which can be excruciating.

Leaving a cavity unchecked can also cause infection that may spread to your gums, causing a weakened and receding gum line.