Brush and floss your teeth every day, and you'll keep cavities away… or at least that's what most people believe. The truth is, brushing and flossing are not always enough to prevent cavities. If you're following good oral hygiene practices but are still developing new cavities, it's time to look a bit more closely at your habits. Here are three common reasons people remain cavity-prone in spite of good oral hygiene practices.
A Lack of Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that your body needs in order to properly deposit calcium in your tooth enamel. Without enough fluoride, your tooth enamel gets weaker and more prone to decay. Most tap water is fortified with fluoride, and most toothpastes contain fluoride, too. However, if you drink bottled water rather than tap water and use a natural toothpaste that does not contain fluoride, you may not be getting enough of this essential mineral. Start buying bottled water that specifically states, on the label, that it contains fluoride. And only use toothpaste that carries the ADA seal, as the American Dental Association will only put their seal on fluoridated toothpastes.
Acidic Foods and Beverages
Cavities are actually caused by the acids that are released by oral bacteria. If you're exposing your teeth to other acids, too, these acids may weaken your enamel to the point that you only need a few active oral bacteria to develop a cavity. Common acidic foods include tomato sauce, orange juice, citrus fruits, and coffee. You don't have to stay away from these foods completely, but it is wise to minimize their presence in your diet. If you do eat an acidic food or drink an acidic beverage, rinse your mouth out with some water afterwards. This will help decrease the period of time over which the acid is in contact with your teeth.
Medications
Certain medications can erode your tooth enamel or leave it weak and prone to cavities. This is particularly true of inhaled corticosteroids, which your doctor may prescribe for the treatment of allergies or asthma. If you're on these drugs, ask your doctor if there is an alternative drug you could take that won't have such a negative impact on your dental health. If you do have to keep taking the medication, at least rinse your mouth out with water after every use, as this will ensure the medication does not remain in contact with your teeth for as long a period of time.
Speak with a professional like Paul Dona DDS for more information.
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