Why Do I Get Cavities Even Though I Brush Twice a Day?

Brushing twice a day may not be enough to prevent cavities due to factors like poor brushing technique, diet, or genetics, and many people still get cavities despite brushing regularly because even with good oral hygiene, certain habits and conditions can still lead to tooth decay. Understanding these factors is key to effectively preventing cavities and maintaining long-term dental health. If you experience tooth pain or suspect a cavity, visiting your dentist for an early dental check-up can ensure timely treatment.

In this article, we will explore how cavities can still develop despite regular brushing by examining key factors such as diet and brushing technique. Followed by specific beneficial tips that help you to implement good habits in your daily routine.

Read more: How to Teach Kids Good Oral Hygiene Habits

How Do Cavities Happen?

Cavities are the result of tooth decay, which occurs when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars from food. These bacteria form plaque, which sticks to the surface of your teeth. The acids produced by these bacteria break down the tooth’s enamel, leading to holes or cavities. While brushing removes plaque and food particles, it doesn’t always reach all surfaces of the teeth, allowing cavities to form.

Even if you’re brushing regularly, crooked teeth can hinder effective cleaning, increasing the likelihood of cavities. To address this issue, it’s essential to know the causes of crooked teeth.

Reasons You Have Cavities Even if You Brush Regularly

• Inadequate brushing: Brushing might not be thorough enough, and certain areas, such as the back teeth, gumline, or spaces between teeth, may be missed. Plaque and bacteria thrive in these areas, leading to cavity formation.
• Lack of flossing: If you don’t floss, food particles and plaque can remain stuck between your teeth. This creates an environment for bacteria to produce acids, which leads to cavities in those hard-to-reach spots.
• Insufficient saliva production: Saliva helps neutralize acids in the mouth and wash away food particles. If your body doesn’t produce enough saliva, acids linger in the mouth longer, increasing the chances of cavity formation.
• Diet: Frequent consumption of sugary or acidic foods and drinks provides bacteria with the fuel they need to produce acids. These acids attack your tooth enamel, even after brushing. For example, snacking on sugary foods or sipping sugary drinks throughout the day increases your risk of cavities.
• Genetics: Some people have naturally thinner enamel, which makes their teeth more susceptible to decay. If you have weaker enamel, cavities can develop more easily despite regular brushing.

Tooth sensitivity can be an indicator of enamel loss, which leads to cavities. Learn more about dealing with tooth sensitivity and how to prevent further damage.

Best Practices to Avoid Cavities

To avoid cavities, you must adopt a comprehensive approach to oral care. Brushing twice a day is essential, but it’s just the start. Along with proper brushing, regular flossing is vital to clean areas that your toothbrush cannot reach. If you struggle to reach certain areas, a dentist may suggest using tools like an interdental brush or a water flosser.

Inadequate brushing and gum health issues can also contribute to tooth decay. If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, learn about the main causes of bleeding gums and how they can impact your dental health.

Good to read: How to Choose the Right Toothbrush

Furthermore, a balanced diet low in sugary foods is essential for cavity prevention. Limit sugary snacks, soft drinks, and acidic foods. Instead, opt for tooth-friendly foods that can help remineralize enamel, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and nuts.
You can also read our blog, which is about cavity preventing foods. This blog discusses the foods that fight against tooth decay.

To avoid cavities, you must adopt a comprehensive approach to oral care. Brushing twice a day is essential, but it’s just the start. Along with proper brushing, regular flossing is important to clean areas that your toothbrush cannot reach.
According to the Healthline website:
“Flossing loosens the particles that brushing misses. It also removes plaque and, in so doing, prevents the buildup of tartar.”

What Do Cavities Look Like?

At first, cavities may appear as small white spots on the enamel, indicating early demineralization. If left untreated, these spots can develop into darker, more noticeable holes in the teeth. The color may vary from light brown to black, and in some cases, a cavity can become so large that it causes a noticeable hole. In later stages, cavities may result in pain, particularly when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet substances.

Why Do Cavities Hurt?

Cavities don’t always cause pain in the beginning. However, as the decay progresses, it can affect the deeper layers of the tooth, where the nerves are located. This can lead to sensitivity or sharp pain, especially when consuming certain foods or drinks. If the decay reaches the tooth pulp, it can lead to a tooth infection, which is often very painful and requires urgent treatment.

Good to read: What to Do if You Have a Toothache?

Preventing Cavities Beyond Brushing and Flossing

• Professional dental cleanings: Brushing and flossing may miss areas that accumulate plaque and tartar. Regular cleanings by a dentist ensure these buildups are removed, preventing potential decay.
• Fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. For individuals prone to cavities, using fluoride toothpaste is an easy and effective preventive measure.
• Fluoride treatments and dental sealants: For added protection, fluoride treatments can be applied by your dentist, especially for those with weakened enamel. Dental sealants, often recommended for children or individuals with deep grooves in their teeth, act as a protective barrier against plaque and bacteria.
• Limiting sugary snacks: Frequent consumption of sugary foods fuels bacteria that cause cavities. Reducing the frequency of these snacks limits the acid production that leads to tooth decay.
• Drinking water throughout the day: Water helps rinse away food particles and neutralize acids, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and preventing cavities.

For those who are already experiencing cavities, treatment options like cavities & fillings can help restore the tooth and prevent further damage.

Sum Up

Preventing cavities involves more than just brushing twice a day. A good oral care routine includes brushing properly, flossing daily, and limiting sugary foods. Additionally, regular dental checkups, fluoride treatments, and a balanced diet all contribute to healthier teeth and gums. By combining these efforts, you can keep cavities at bay and maintain a confident, healthy smile.

If you are experiencing severe pain or discomfort due to critical cavities and live in Delta, our team recommends booking an appointment with our emergency dentist as soon as possible to receive the best cavity and dental filling services.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions that can help you further understand cavity prevention and care:

Have you ever wondered why brushing isn’t enough to prevent cavities? Share your experiences or questions with us right in the comments