Brushing your teeth twice a day would keep away cavities, wouldn’t you think? Think again, as there are a few things you might be forgetting when it comes to the nature of cavities.
What is a Cavity?
A cavity is a hole, usually in between the teeth, characterized by a dark center and a gummy texture. The cavity is caused by plaque build-up and tooth decay. Cavities always need to be filled by a dentist to prevent any complications from taking place.
Things Other than Not Brushing Twice a Day that Give You Cavities
1. You are not Flossing
Cavities typically form between the teeth because that is where plaque builds up the fastest and is the hardest to get rid of. Flossing is one of the most effective ways to rid your teeth of hard-to-reach plaque you may have missed when brushing. You should be flossing your teeth every time you brush them if you want to prevent cavities. If you are wearing braces, here’s how to floss while wearing braces.
2. You are Eating too many Starchy and Sugary Foods
The sugars and starches in your everyday foods stick to your teeth. The acids your body produces help break down the food, but since the food is stuck to your teeth, the acid also eats away at the first layer of your teeth. Eating carbs and sugars is not bad, though be mindful of the intake is a step to prevent cavities.
3. You Need to Change your Toothbrush
You might need to change your toothbrush in more than one way. First, toothbrushes can harbor bacteria and damage teeth. Not to mention that as the toothbrush wears out, it becomes less effective at doing its job. Secondly, if you have a manual toothbrush, you may want to consider switching to an electric model. Electronic toothbrushes offer a much better clean than their manual counterpart. Changing your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three months is a good way to prevent bacteria infestations.
4. Genetics
Genetics can play a factor in the development of cavities. Scientists have researched that about 60% of oral health comes from genetics. So, if you have a history of tooth decay in your family, you may be the next one to experience this. While you cannot change your genetics, you can be more mindful and take additional precautions when it comes to your dental health.
5. You are Not Drinking Enough Water
Acidic foods contribute quite heavily to tooth decay in the mouth. When you do not drink enough water, you are allowing the food residue to sit in your mouth. Drinking more water will help rinse your mouth from stuck foods. When you continuously drink water, you feed your body’s saliva, which helps neutralize acids and wash bacteria away.
Developing cavities is often an unpleasant experience but brushing twice a day is not always enough to keep them away either. With that being said, these holes of tooth decay can be prevented with great oral care and regular visits to the dentist. Speak to a dentist at Kingsville Family Dental and find out if you are at risk or to book your next appointment.
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