How to Prevent Cavities and Tooth Decay
No one wants to hear those dreaded words at the dentist: “It looks like a cavity.” And yet, cavities resulting from tooth decay are among the most common dental concerns, especially if you don’t take proper care.
Tooth decay can be the result of bacteria in the mouth, which form acids that attack the tooth’s surface (enamel). This acidic erosion can lead to a small hole in the tooth, called a cavity. Untreated, tooth decay can lead to pain, infection, and even the loss of a tooth.1
Still, prevention and treatment of cavities and tooth decay are fairly straightforward. If you’re concerned about the effects of cavities and tooth decay, read ahead for some of the best ways to keep your teeth strong, healthy, and cavity-free.
What Is Tooth Decay and What Causes Cavities in Teeth?
Tooth decay often begins with the deterioration of tooth enamel, which is the hard, outer layer of the tooth. When you consume sugars and starches, they interact with the natural bacteria in your mouth, forming acids. These acids slowly demineralize your enamel, leading to the formation of small holes—better known as cavities.2 Poor oral hygiene habits, like failing to brush twice a day, is a common cause of tooth decay.3
While there are typically no symptoms associated with early tooth decay,1 untreated tooth decay can become painful and uncomfortable. Common cavity symptoms include:
Toothache and other pain
Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold
Mild or sharp pain
Holes or pits in the teeth that you can see
Brown, black or white staining on any tooth surface
Pain when biting.2
Early detection and treatment of tooth decay and cavity symptoms are crucial for maintaining good oral health and preventing further damage.3
How to Stop & Prevent Tooth Decay & Cavities
#1: Visit your dentist for regular teeth cleanings
The earlier signs of tooth decay are detected, the easier it is to treat and prevent further decay. That is why visiting your dentist for twice-yearly check-ups and proactive cleanings is paramount to maintaining oral health and preventing decay.4 Your dentist can identify and treat cavities early on, apply dental sealants, offer professional fluoride treatments, and provide personalized advice on how to improve your hygiene routine.4
#2: Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is crucial for maintaining oral health. Plaque, a bacterial film that forms on the teeth, contains microorganisms that can cause decay and worsen cavities. By brushing away plaque at least twice a day, you can remove most of the bacteria that lead to tooth decay, helping to prevent the progression of cavities. Be sure to use a toothpaste that includes fluoride, a mineral that inhibits demineralization and enhances tooth structure.5
#3: Floss Daily
Remember to floss at least once daily, as flossing can remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gumline—areas where a toothbrush cannot always reach and that are prone to plaque buildup and tooth decay. Using proper flossing technique is essential, as incorrect flossing can increase your risk of gum injury.6
#4: Rinse your mouth twice daily with LISTERINE® Mouthwash
Mouthwash reaches nearly 100% of your mouth, helping to clean areas that brushing and flossing may miss. That’s why rinsing with a mouthwash like those from LISTERINE® can help prevent cavities and tooth decay.
LISTERINE® TOTAL CARE Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash, for instance, can help prevent cavities, restore minerals to enamel, and strengthen teeth. Plus, LISTERINE® TOTAL CARE anticavity mouthwash mouthwash has 5X more cleaning power vs brushing and flossing alone,* and provides 50% greater enamel strengthening than brushing alone.** Take a look at the Rinsing Guide for step-by-step instructions and tips to get the most out of your rinse.
*based on bad breath germs.
**in a lab study.
#5: Replace foods and drinks that cause tooth decay with foods that support dental health
High-sugar and starchy foods, as well as sugary and acidic drinks, can significantly contribute to tooth decay. Sugars and starches feed the bacteria that form enamel-weakening acids. To protect your teeth, limit your intake of sugary treats, and consider healthier alternatives.1
Meanwhile, certain foods can play a protective role in oral health, supporting the prevention of tooth decay and the restoration of enamel. Foods rich in calcium like cheese, milk, plain yogurt, calcium-fortified tofu, leafy greens, and almonds can help protect and rebuild tooth enamel, as do protein and phosphorus-rich foods like meat, poultry, fish, milk, and eggs. Fruits and vegetables are always a good choice as well, since they are high in water and fiber, which balance the sugars they contain and help to clean teeth.7
#6: Chew sugarless gum to stimulate saliva flow
Chewing sugar-free gum can increase salivary flow by stimulating both mechanical and taste receptors in the mouth. By increasing your saliva volume and flow, you can help dilute and neutralize acids produced by bacteria in plaque. Plus, chewing sugar-free gum can help wash away food particles, which makes it especially helpful after a meal. Look for chewing gum with the ADA seal of acceptance.8
#7 Drink plenty of tap water
Water is, in brief, the most tooth-friendly beverage. It can help wash away food particles and residues that bacteria feed on, and its lack of sugar or acids means that it won’t cause additional bacterial growth. 2, 7
Prevent Tooth Decay and Avoid Cavities
Prevention of tooth decay and cavities comes down to developing consistent oral health habits. Brush and rinse twice daily, floss once a day, visit your dentist for regular cleanings, and make the right food and drink choices to keep your mouth clean and your teeth free of plaque. Always consult your dentist if you have concerns or questions about oral care of dental cavity treatment.
References
Tooth Decay, NIH National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, accessed May 30, 2025. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay
Cavities and tooth decay, Mayo Clinic, Accessed May 30, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-20352892
Dental cavities, MedlinePlus.Gov, Accessed May 20, 2025. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001055.htm
About Cavities (Tooth Decay), Mayo Clinic, Accessed May 30, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/about/cavities-tooth-decay.html
Rathee M, Sapra A. Dental Caries. [Updated 2023 Jun 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551699/
Webster-Cyriaque, Jennifer, “Ask the Expert: Do I Really Need to Floss?” NIH National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Accessed May 30, 2025. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease/ask-the-expert
Nutrition: What You Eat Affects Your Teeth, MouthHealthy/ADA, Accessed May 30, 2025. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/nutrition/food-tips
Chewing Gum, ADA.org, Accessed May 30, 2025. https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/chewing-gum
