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Protection and prevention for tooth decay

Tooth decay can be avoided. Here are the best prevention measures:

  • Maintain good oral hygiene and use fluoride products
    • Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss every evening
    • Use fluoride products such as toothpaste and mouthwash. If the water in your municipality is fluoridated, drink it. Fluoride prevents tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel
  • Eat healthy
    • Limit the amount of sugar in your food and reduce the frequency at which you consume sugary foods
    • Avoid sugary and acidic food as well as beverages between meals or as snacks (examples: sweet cookies, soft drinks, energy drinks, etc.)
  • Regularly examine the inside of your mouth and that of your kids
    • By checking the inside of your mouth, you can verify the condition of your teeth and spot cavities before symptoms appear. A cavity looks like a small, coloured hole
    • It is also recommended that you regularly check the inside of your children’s mouths to see if there are cavities. In young children, cavities can be more difficult to find. They often appear as spots or white lines along the gum. At a more advanced stage, the cavity is visible and develops into a brown or black hole
  • Have your teeth checked by a dentist at least once a year
    Take your kids to the dentist for the first time at about the age of 1
    • Ask the dentist about applying fluoride varnish on the teeth, fluoride supplements and the placement of dental sealants

For further information, read the Preventing tooth decay page.

Last update: November 8, 2016

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