Getting a cavity when you diligently focus on brushing and flossing your teeth can feel frustrating. Many patients with good oral health routines still manage to suffer when the time comes for your next dental exam.
If it feels like you constantly get cavities, and you feel frustrated about it, here are some things you can do to protect yourself from decay.
Be Mindful of What You Eat
Most people know that sugar can cause serious problems when it comes to your teeth, but did you know that starchy foods begin to break down via digestion in your mouth? Enzymes in your saliva convert those carbs to sugar in short order and then before you know it, you’re feeding bacteria like crazy.
Avoiding those starchy and sticky food combinations can help you deflect dreaded decay.
Add an Extra Layer of Protection (Or Two!)
Some people have naturally groovy teeth. No, not like a 1970s dance number, but more like a tiny Grand Canyon on the chewing surface of your molars. Some of those grooves and crevasses are deep, but microscopic, making it impossible for your toothbrush to get in there.
Fluoride strengthens enamel and dental sealants form a barrier between food particles and the grooves in your teeth.
Be Sure You Use a Fluoride Toothpaste
If you shop at the health food store or like popular natural brands, you might accidentally pick up non-fluoridated toothpaste. Studies show that fluoride helps prevent decay, so using it when you brush is essential. Local water municipalities may have too low a concentration for it to be of much good when delivered in drinking water.
Avoid Acidic Drinks
Avoiding candy is one thing, but that energy drink you guzzle down at lunchtime could also make your teeth particularly prone to decay because of the acid/sugar combination found in most of them. Avoiding soda, energy drinks, and certain teas may help you prevent cavities.
If you have cavities of you need a filling and you are in the Encinitas, CA area, we welcome you to join our dental family!