Oral hygiene is the primary prevention against dental caries. If possible, brush the teeth or rinse the mouth with water after eating these foods. Minimize snacking, which creates a constant supply of acid in the mouth. Avoid constant sipping of sugary drinks or frequent sucking on candy and mints. The use of dental sealants is a good means of cavity prevention.
Sealants are thin plastic-like coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars.
This coating prevents the accumulation of plaque on these vulnerable surfaces. Sealants are usually applied on the teeth of children, shortly after the molars erupt. Older people may also benefit from the use of tooth sealants. Fluoride is often recommended to protect against dental caries. It has been demonstrated that people who ingest fluoride in their drinking water or by fluoride supplements have fewer dental caries.