To help prevent cavities, brush twice a day with fluoride or hydroxyapatite toothpaste, floss at least once a day, and limit frequent sugary snacks and drinks. Regular dental exams are also important, especially if you keep getting cavities despite taking good care of your teeth.
With two convenient locations in Summerville, Deaton Dental Associates and Flowertown Dentistry provide comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages.
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Daily Habits That Help Prevent Tooth Decay
Bacteria in plaque feed on sugars and starches, producing acids that weaken tooth enamel. Removing plaque and allowing breaks between meals helps protect teeth from this damage.
A few habits make a difference:
- Brush for two minutes, twice daily: Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Give the inside and back surfaces of your teeth as much attention as the front.
- Clean between your teeth every day: Curve the floss gently around each tooth rather than simply moving it up and down between them. If floss is difficult to use, ask your dental team about other options.
- Avoid grazing throughout the day: Frequent sugary or starchy snacks repeatedly expose teeth to acids. Keep snacks to set times so your teeth have a break.
- Choose water between meals: Sipping sweetened coffee, soda, or juice over several hours prolongs sugar exposure. Fluoridated water also helps protect enamel.
- Keep your dental appointments: Exams can catch decay you cannot see or feel. Professional cleanings remove plaque and hardened tartar, and your dentist can recommend how often you need to return.
Why Do I Have Cavities When I Brush and Floss Every Day?
Cavities can develop even with regular brushing and flossing. Factors that can increase your risk include:
- Deep grooves in molars: Plaque can collect in places toothbrush bristles struggle to reach.
- Frequent snacks or sugary drinks: Repeated sugar exposure gives bacteria more opportunities to produce acids.
- Dry mouth: Reduced saliva leaves teeth less protected against acids. Certain medications can contribute to dry mouth.
- Missed areas during cleaning: Even a consistent routine can leave plaque behind, especially around back teeth or between teeth.
If you keep getting cavities, Dr. Rhett Deaton or Dr. Tiffany Deaton can review your daily habits and help identify what may be increasing your risk. Depending on your needs, they may recommend fluoride treatments or prescription-strength toothpaste.
How to Prevent Cavities in Toddlers
Brush your toddler’s teeth twice daily with toothpaste when their first tooth appears. Use a rice-sized smear for children under three and a pea-sized amount from ages three to six. Encourage spitting as they learn, and begin flossing when two teeth touch.
Avoid bedtime bottles containing milk, formula, or juice, and offer water between meals instead of letting your child sip juice throughout the day.
Schedule their first dental visit within six months of the first tooth appearing, and no later than the first birthday. These early appointments are a good chance to ask questions and get help with brushing.
How to Prevent Cavities From Getting Worse
To prevent cavities from getting worse, have suspected decay checked before it becomes painful. Early decay may be stopped or reversed with fluoride and changes to daily habits. Once a hole forms, a dental filling is needed to repair the damage.
FAQ
Are cavities genetic?
Genetics can affect your susceptibility to tooth decay, but they are only part of the picture. Families often share eating habits and dental routines, too. Having relatives who get frequent cavities does not mean you will inevitably get them.
Can dental sealants help prevent cavities?
Dental sealants cover the grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, helping prevent food and bacteria from getting trapped. They are especially useful for children’s permanent molars.
Do you offer fluoride-free options during dental visits?
At Deaton Dental Associates and Flowertown Dentistry, we offer gluten-free and fluoride-free polishing pastes, including Wonderful™ Prophy Paste. Depending on your needs and preferences, fluoride varnish or a fluoride-free nano-hydroxyapatite varnish may also be applied.
Get Help With Cavity Prevention
If you’re doing everything you can to prevent cavities but still developing tooth decay, there may be factors you haven’t considered. We can help you understand what’s contributing to the problem and find a more effective approach to protecting your teeth. Schedule an appointment at either of our Summerville dental offices to get started.
