We’re often asked by patients “Why am I getting cavities despite brushing and flossing?” Unfortunately, despite their best attempts to maintain good oral hygiene, some people still end up with dental cavities.
Incorrect brushing and flossing
Research shows that almost 1 in 3 UK adults have tooth decay and while they may brush and floss each day, it could be that their technique is poor and they’re rushing the procedure.
To effectively remove plaque and debris from the surface and crevices of your teeth, it’s important to angle the bristles of your toothbrush toward the gum line at a 45 degree angle. Avoid pressing the toothbrush too hard against the teeth, as this won’t improve results. Instead, focus on brushing for at least two minutes, giving equal attention to the gum line and chewing surfaces. Use gentle, short strokes to clean all tooth surfaces. Don’t forget to clean around bridges, fillings, and crowns as well. The best way to ensure that you are using the correct technique is by using an electric toothbrush, most of which have a timer and a pressure sensor.
Additionally, flossing is essential for removing food particles and plaque that a toothbrush can’t reach. Move the floss up and down between your teeth, using it to clean both sides thoroughly.
Finally, to maintain fresh breath, gently brush your tongue every day, using a tongue cleaner if necessary.
It could be in your genes
Another reason you could be getting cavities despite brushing and flossing could lie with your heritage. certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing dental health issues due to their family history.
While studies indicate that tooth decay cannot be entirely attributed to genetics, research has shown that hereditary factors can lead to weak enamel, jaw disorders, and misaligned or discoloured teeth.
Significant misalignment often requires treatment with clear aligners or braces. For minor alignment issues and gaps between teeth, dental bonding can be an effective solution.
Snacking throughout the day
Some nutrition experts advocate frequent snacking over larger meals. However, this habit can result in prolonged exposure of teeth to acidic conditions. Regular snacking on foods containing even small amounts of sugar can result in a layer of bacteria that causes plaque buildup in the mouth.
Consuming snacks like crisps, cereal bars, chewy sweets, cookies, dried fruits, and cakes can foster the growth of harmful bacteria due to their high sugar content. Rather than snacking all day, try limiting the frequency and choose more healthy options like nuts which have a low sugar content, fruits low in acid such as blueberries, watermelon, and bananas and crunchy vegetables like carrots or celery.
If brushing after snacking isn’t an option, try rinsing your mouth with water to neutralise bacterial acid and wash away food particles. Chewing sugar-free gum can also lessen the impact of acid attacks.
Choosing more substantial meals is preferable to allowing food to sit on teeth throughout the day. Practising proper oral hygiene measures like brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste along with a balanced diet can help keep your teeth strong. healthy and cavity-free.
The back teeth are more susceptible to decay
Did you know that the anatomy of a tooth can affect the outcome of tooth decay? Our premolars and molars (back teeth) play a vital role when chewing food into smaller pieces to make it easier to digest. However, they also contain grooves, pits and fissures that trap food particles. Because of their location, these teeth are also harder to access and clean and can soon become an epicentre for plaque. As a result, they are more prone to tooth decay and cavities.
Dentists often recommend dental sealants for kids and adults to cover grooves and pits in the back teeth to protect them from bacteria.
Grinding your teeth
Sleep disorders, stress and anxiety, misaligned teeth, TMJ disorder or an abnormal bite can all lead to teeth grinding (bruxism). Often, individuals are unaware of teeth grinding because it typically happens during sleep.
Bruxism can wear down enamel, exposing the sensitive layers of the teeth, leading to cavities.
A dentist can diagnose this condition through an oral examination but also, wearing a mouth guard when you sleep can help prevent further damage.
Dry Mouth
Anyone can experience dry mouth from time to time, such as when feeling nervous or stressed. However, persistent dry mouth can interfere with chewing, swallowing, and speaking. Additionally, a lack of saliva can increase the risk of tooth decay and fungal infections in the mouth, as saliva plays a crucial role in controlling harmful bacteria.
Dry mouth can be caused by medications affecting saliva-producing glands in the mouth. Choosing to ignore the problem will, in a relatively short time, seriously impact a person’s oral health. It’s vital to contact your GP who may be able to switch you to a different medication if that’s the cause of the problem.
It’s also recommended to drink plenty of water (2 to 3 litres per day), avoid caffeine, and chew sugar-free gum to ease the condition.
Regular brushing and flossing are crucial for dental health, yet some individuals may still be susceptible to cavities due to factors like diet, genetics, and the presence of certain bacteria in the mouth.
Our friendly team provides a wide range of dental services. Call us today on 01530 510533 to schedule an appointment.
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