How to prevent cavities from growing or starting?

I went to the dentist yesterday because two of my teeth got real cold whenever I drank something. I got upset when I was told that I have four cavities--two big, two small. I got two fixed up--but she told me one of the two that got fixed might have to get a nerve removal or something .-.

How do I prevent my other two cavities from growing? I have to wait until next Wednesday to get them treated, and I don't want them to suddenly grow out like crazy ;n;

I'm seriously confused though, I really don't do anything wrong. I brush 3x a day (morning, afterschool at home, before bed) and I floss occasionally. I've always hated the dentist so I always gave extra care--what am I doing wrong? >_<;; And does chewing sugarless gum really help prevent cavities?

* Best answer will be rewarded!

It's not how many times a day you brush, but when you brush that matters..

For instance, if you brush your teeth before breakfast but not after, it does absolutely nothing to prevent cavities. Ditto if you brushed your teeth after coming home from school and then eat your dinner afterwards.

The purpose of brushing and flossing your teeth is to remove the gunky white buildup of germs that causes cavities. Any time you have that white gunky bacterial plaque sitting on your teeth, they are just happily rotting away at your enamel, and these germs grows explosively right after a meal. That is why you want to brush your teeth right after a meal to get rid of the plaque and prevent them from growing.

Also, you need to brush not just your teeth, but your gums and tongue as well because germs can grow there too. You should ask your dentist to demonstrate the proper strokes to use so you don't cause damage such as root abrasions.

6-month checkups are also important so a dentist can catch cavities while they are still small and easy to repair.

Preventing cavities is all about keeping that white gunk off your teeth.

Hope this helps, and good luck.

It sounds as though you are doing everything correctly. However, I would suggest that you use Listerine to wash out your mouth after every meal. Also, drink soda through a straw. That way, the sugar goes directly down your throat and not on your teeth. And, of course, continue to brush at least twice a day.

Use salt water or baking soda to rinse. The Ph of salt water is 8, so the acid in the mouth is neutralized. Floss all the time. And of course, if you don't eat candy, your teeth will never go bad. Seriously.

When you brush your teeth make sure to get along the gumline. You should floss everyday as it only takes 12 hours for the biofilm layer to form on your teeth. In addition to brushing & flossing try a fluoride rinse such as ACT. Then, after your rinse with the fluoride rinse make sure not to eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after. That way the fluoride has time to sit on your teeth & help make them strong. Avoid sticky sugary foods & soda! Soda is one of the worst things ever for your teeth between the sugar & the acid. Chewing sugarless gum does not actually prevent cavities, but if you are going to chew gum make sure it is sugarless. Sugar & acid are your worst enemies in the fight against cavities. You don't have to worry about waiting until next Wednesday to get them filled, that should be fine......cavities don't go that fast to where they will be unfixable. However, once they have eaten through the enamel they grow 7 times faster. Good luck =)

First off, If you're going back to the dentist next week, your cavities are not going to grow out like crazy! It takes a lot more time than a week. It sounds as though you are doing the right things for good dental care but are you going for regular checkups? A lot of dental problems can be caught early enough to avoid a lot of troubles. I think sugarless gums are better for you than the sugary filled ones. For your questions, ask the dentist if there is anymore that you should be doing. Your concern shows that you are on the right track for good dental care. Good luck to you!