Next time you visit the dentist, wouldn’t it be great to have a clean bill of health? A straight-A report card? You no longer need to dread those visits, and the looming dental bills that will come with fillings, because you can follow these easy and natural tips for preventing cavities.

Oil pulling
You may not be familiar yet with the Ayurvedic technique of oil pulling, but it’s an easy way to improve the health of your mouth. Simply swish a few tablespoons of coconut oil in your mouth for a few minutes each morning, and it will help remove harmful bacteria from your gums which can lead to decay.

Choose your foods wisely
Did you know that crunchy fruits and veggies can help prevent cavities? This is because the chewing motion in your mouth when you eat them produces more saliva than other foods, and that saliva helps to wash your mouth out from bacteria that causes plaque and decay. Also, make sure you cut out refined sugars and processed foods from your diet.

Sip carbonated drinks with a straw
First of all, we recommend cutting out sugary sodas altogether because the sugar will lead to tooth decay. But if you love carbonated beverages such as sparkling water or juice, then drink it with a straw rather than straight from the cup. This helps prevent corrosion of the tooth enamel from the carbonation.

Enjoy licorice as a sweet treat
Studies have shown that some compounds found in licorice help kill bacteria in the mouth that leads to decay. So if you need to enjoy something sweet, licorice is a choice that you can feel good about! Its strong flavor also means you probably won’t overeat it.

Stay hydrated
Not only is drinking water good for your health overall, but it’s great for your oral care. Drinking water helps to flush the mouth out from bacteria and other harmful substances like leftover food particles. Plus it’s a great substitute for sugary beverages like juice and soda that cause decay, or coffee and wine that cause stains.