So you brush your teeth at least 2 times a day, floss daily, and even use extra tools and products to make sure your smile is perfectly healthy.
Even with all this effort, you are still getting cavities. How is that fair?
Well, it’s not, but many people are in your situation. Improper oral health is the most common cause of cavities, but it’s not the only one. Learn more about why you’re getting cavities in this short blog post.
What Causes Cavities?
Risk factors for cavities can include:
- Brushing technique - You may think you are thoroughly cleaning your mouth every single day, but this may not be the case. Brushing techniques matter tremendously, such as using circular motions to get the food particles and bacteria away from the teeth. Moreover, some teeth are harder to reach with simple brushings, such as those in the back;
- Diet - The types of foods you normally eat can also increase your risk for cavities. Foods with lots of sugars are a common culprit, but they are not the only ones. People who tend to snack a lot can experience more cavities simply because their teeth are more exposed to food particles;
- Not getting enough fluoride - Fluoride is a compound that helps keep your teeth strong. If you are not using toothpaste with fluoride and drink only bottled water, you may not be getting enough fluoride to protect your teeth;
- Genetics - Some individuals are more prone to developing cavities or other oral health issues simply because of their genetic makeup. If cavities tend to be a common issue in your family, then it could be just a genetic factor.
How to Protect Your Teeth from Cavities
As you can see, your oral health depends on a lot more factors than oral hygiene. To truly protect your oral health, check out these great tips:
- Make sure you use fluoride toothpaste
- Drink tap water (it’s usually enriched with fluoride), especially to cleanse the mouth after you eat
- Cut down on snacking, particularly sugary foods and beverages
- Eat plenty of fresh fruits and veggies to promote saliva production
- Stop smoking
- Consider fluoride treatments to give your teeth extra protection
These are some great ways to protect your teeth at home, but if you want to reduce your risk for cavities, it’s important not to skip your (at least) yearly visit to the dentist. Regular dental appointments can help you stay on top of your oral health needs and even spot forming cavities before they can do much damage to your teeth.
Book an Appointment at Rochelle Dental Today
Dr. Viccaro & Dr. Lo are here to help you care for your oral health with expert preventative dentistry services designed for your convenience.
Book an appointment at Rochelle Dental today and stop by for a routine visit to get your oral health in check.
Are you located in Paramus? We are a short drive away. Learn about what makes us stand out from other dentists in Paramus?
