(HealthDay News) -- Cavities are holes that form in the teeth, and can cause pain until they are filled by a dentist.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests how to help prevent cavities:

• Practice good oral hygiene, which means flossing each day, brushing at least twice daily and getting a professional teeth cleaning twice a year.
• If you want something sticky, sweet or chewy, eat it with other foods as part of a meal instead of alone. Brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water afterward.
• Minimize snacking, which increases acid production in the mouth.
• Avoid high-sugar drinks, chewing gum with sugar, or sucking on sugary candy.
• Consider getting a dental sealant applied to your molars to help prevent cavities.
• Use mouth wash and toothpaste with fluoride.

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Related MedlinePlus Pages:

• Dental Health
• Tooth Disorders