Why Do I Keep Getting Cavities? 10 Tips For Cavity Prevention

Despite brushing and flossing as recommended by the dentist, why do I keep getting cavities? If you find yourself asking this question, know that you’re not alone. Tooth decay is the second most common disease after the common cold, affecting over 90% of Americans.

Most people take oral health for granted, though it’s an essential part of life that should be taken seriously. Tooth decay is not just painful; it’s also expensive and could lead to other serious dental problems, such as gum disease and abscesses.

How Do You Prevent Tooth Cavities?

Tooth decay is an oral health problem that affects the whole world. Even though brushing and flossing are two of the most important habits that could help you prevent cavities, there is so much more to it. These are simple cavity prevention tips that you can easily do, and you’ll not only combat tooth decay, but you’ll avoid toothaches, prevent tooth loss and other serious health problems.

Understand the Risk Level of Your Cavities

Given that you want to be in control of your oral health by knowing why you keep getting cavities, you need to understand your cavity risk level. The best way to prevent cavities is by knowing what you’re dealing with, so get a comprehensive dental exam first.

This will give you a better look at what you have, what treatments you may need, and what changes you must make. With this information, you’ll be in a better position to take an effective approach.

1. Brush Regularly, Properly, and Use the Right Toothbrush

This is one of the most apparent dental cavity prevention tips, but we cannot stress how important it is. You don’t just have to brush regularly, you also need to use the right brush and use the proper brushing techniques. You may not know this, but your mouth is home to about a billion microbes that eat and recycle everything you eat or drink.

Mouth bacteria multiply very fast, and they are the cause of tooth cavities. They feed on the sugars in the food and drinks you consume, and the waste they leave behind is known as plaque. The plaque allows them to stick to the teeth even longer until they make enough acids that wear down the teeth enamel, causing the cavities.

One of the most significant problems with mouth bacteria is that if left for too long, spreads to other parts of the body and complicates other underlying issues, such as diabetes. Brushing gets rid of the bacteria, so do it after meals and before you go to bed. It’s particularly vital that you don’t go to bed without brushing as the bacteria will develop the enamel damaging acid overnight.

2. Make Flossing a Habit

Flossing seems like such a chore, doesn’t it? Well, not many people like doing it, but if you consider the fact that your teeth have five sides, all of which need to be cleaned, and brushing only reaches three, you see its importance. Brushing only gets the surfaces of the teeth, so to reach in between, you need to floss and floss properly.

One of the best cavity prevention techniques is flossing, so get into the habit by flossing anytime you can. Ideally, doing it before bed or after brushing is better, but you can do it on the go while watching TV or even reading a book.

3. Cut Back Your Sugar and Acidic Drink Intake

So why do you keep getting cavities despite brushing? Because exposure to acidic drinks compounded by sugar increases the risk of getting new cavities. That daily coffee cup or a hot cup of tea may not be the best thing for your oral health.

When you consume these drinks, you add sugar, syrup, or cream, and it stays in your saliva for prolonged periods, thus feeding the bacteria and eating away your teeth. Since you may not cut back on these drinks completely, drinking some water to wash away all that sugar is highly recommended.

4. Quit Smoking

Smoking causes several health problems, and it undoubtedly affects your oral health. Most people don’t realize the magnitude of the health hazards caused by smoking tobacco. Your teeth and gums are in trouble. This is not just about staining your teeth, which it does, but it causes gum disease, teeth cavities, tooth loss, and oral cancer.

5. Hydrate for Healthy Teeth

Water will not only wash away the sugars left behind by foods and drinks, but it’ll do wonders for your teeth. This probably sounds like a cliche, but one of the best things you can do for your body, not just your oral health, is to drink water. Fluoridated water is the best for your teeth, but tap water also comes with other minerals that are good for your body.

6. Chew Sugar-Free Gums

Chewing regular gum is harmful to your teeth, with all that sugar. Sugarless gum is actually recommended. You see, chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva. The saliva neutralizes the bacteria in your mouth and washes it away from your teeth.

7. Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash removes the microscopic bacteria left in your mouth after brushing. It reaches in between your teeth and the back of your throat, which makes it important to use it every time you brush your teeth.

8. Use a Cavity Fighting Toothpaste

Not all kinds of toothpaste are created equal, so not just any will do. Different types of toothpaste come with various benefits, but you should always ensure it is fluoride-based. Fluoride strengthens teeth and prevents tooth cavities. As an adult, you should try to use toothpaste with at least 1,350ppm or higher if you have weak teeth.

9. Consider Dental Sealants

Dental sealants may help depending on your level of cavities. These are plastic coatings placed on the surface of the teeth, and they help prevent cavities since they cover the chewing part of the teeth. Once you use them, they’ll cover the fissures vulnerable to bacteria and provide you with a smoother surface that’s easy to clean.

10. Eat Healthy Foods

Some foods are more dental-friendly than others, so choose to indulge in foods that are beneficial to your teeth. Some of these foods include fresh fruits, cheese, and unsweetened drinks.