How Can You Get Cavities If You Brush Your Teeth?

Did you get a cavity? Even if you brush your teeth twice a day every day, your dentist might still find an area of decay. Take a look at why some people who brush regularly still get cavities and what you can do to prevent this problem.

How Long Do You Brush?

The brushing action removes debris and sticky plaque from your teeth. Failure to fully remove leftover food or the sugary coating on your teeth from a sweet beverage feeds the bacteria in your mouth. The acidic bacterial byproducts wear away dental enamel (the hard, white outer layer of your teeth). This increases the likelihood of cavity formation.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing for at least two minutes two times per day. While a quick swipe with toothpaste may give your mouth a minty refresh, it won't remove the leftover debris or cavity-causing plaque. If you barely brush twice daily, set a timer, use your cell phone's alarm function, or choose a two-minute song to brush to. This extends the overall brushing time and reduces the risk of cavities.

Do You Brush All the Areas of Your Mouth?

Can cavities form if you brush for the full two minutes twice each day? If your brushing routine is the right length, you might expect your mouth to go cavity-free. But you're still at risk. If you don't brush each area of your mouth equally, you could leave behind plaque and enamel-eroding bacteria.

Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Spend an equal amount of time in each area. Some dental patients have problem areas, such as spaces between teeth that easily trap food. If specific areas need extra attention, you may need to brush for more than two minutes to reach and remove food and debris from your teeth.

Do You Eat the Right Foods?

Do you avoid cavity-causing foods and beverages? Sugary candies (such as gummy bears or hard candies) can stick to your teeth, feeding the bacteria in your mouth. Along with sugar-packed foods and drinks, avoid large amounts of highly acidic options. These include sour candies, citrus fruits, and citrus juices. These can wear away dental enamel.

While one glass of lemonade or an orange each day won't immediately erode your teeth, over time acidic foods and drinks can leave your teeth exposed to decay. Instead of sugary or acidic options, choose fiber-rich fruits and vegetables (these help saliva production, which washes debris from your teeth), calcium-containing dairy products, or fluoridated tap water.

How Often Do You Visit the Dentist?

At-home care is an essential to a healthy mouth. But it isn't the only way to keep cavities away. Along with regular brushing and the right foods, you also need professional-level cleanings and checkups regularly. The dentist may recommend a twice-per-year schedule or more often visits if you have existing gum disease or another dental issue.

Not only will the dental office staff clean your teeth, but they can also spot potential problem areas. This allows you to correct or change your at-home routine before plaque leads to decay. The hygienist may show you areas to concentrate on or help to correct bad brushing habits.

You may need an X-ray during a routine dental exam. This imaging test allows the dentist to see decayed areas under the gums and in-between the teeth. While X-rays may not stop cavities before they form, this type of test can reduce the likelihood of serious infection.

Do you need to schedule a routine dental checkup or a cleaning? Contact the office of Doctors Davis & Beyer Dental Health Professionals for more information.