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Flossing is probably the best way to keep your teeth totally clean particularly in between. When food particles are left in between teeth, cavities will likely form because bacteria will breed easily and quickly there. Hence, it is important that the areas in between teeth are kept clean and free of food residues all the time.

Dentists usually prescribe at least twice a day flossing, which should immediately be done right after eating, because the less time the bacteria stays on your teeth, the less likely it can cause a cavity to form. If you are in a public place and it's impossible for you to floss, a chewing gum can help as the constant chewing can help get rid of food particles stuck in between the teeth.

One of the ways to make dental health a habit in the family is by instilling in the children a certain awareness of this aspect of healthy living. It may not be easy to do, but nevertheless doable.

One of the keys is by beginning early. This can be done by starting them at an early age (even as young as two years old) with regular visits to the dentist even for just a check up. This way, the value of dental care is instilled in their young minds and can later become a habit as they grow up.

Another key is by monitoring the food and drink intakes of your children. Make sure they don't eat too much sweets or drink too much soda as these can leave particles that attract bacteria formation.

Generally, it takes many months or in some cases, years, for a cavity to develop. In other cases, they never form to some people.

For a tooth decay to develop, there should be presence of dietary sugars and dental plaques on the teeth. With the presence of these elements, a tooth demineralization occurs, which in time, results to the formation of a cavity.

There are also conditions when the reverse of tooth decay happens. In this case, instead of demineralization process, what takes place is remineralization, a process that counteracts the damage done by tooth decay. When you have a decaying tooth and decaying suddenly stops to a point, remineralization may have occurred.

Mothers will be happy to note that there are ways to avoid ECTD or Early Childhood Tooth Decay, otherwise known as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.

First and most important way is to wean the child early from bottle feeding. When the child turns one and a half years old, the mother can start preparing him for weaning. This way, the tender front teeth of the child will be spared from getting worn out because of bottle nipple sucking. Another thing that can be done is by brushing the child's teeth every day or preferably every night. Also, after every meal, the child may be made to gurgle with a fluoride mouthwash.

Early dental decay can develop among children due to any of the following reasons: late weaning from bottle feeding; irregular or no brushing at all; consumption of sugary foods such as candies and chocolates.

Baby teeth are too susceptible for decay because they are made of soft enamel. In other words, baby teeth are as tender as the babies themselves ' young and very vulnerable.