I Brush My Teeth Twice a Day and Still Get Cavities…Now What?

No one wants to deal with cavities. Not only do they cause pain, they can also require costly treatment or lead to other major oral health problems.

Most of us know that brushing your teeth twice a day is a key step to preventing cavities. But what if you follow that important step, and the cavities still come?

The truth is, even people who have a perfect brushing record can still get the occasional cavity. Here’s what to do if you fall into this category.

Check your tools and technique.

Brushing at all is good, but brushing correctly is so much better. If you want to give your teeth their best shot at avoiding cavities, it’s important that you use the right tools and proper brushing technique. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush that is comfortable to hold. Use a fluoride toothpaste. Brush using small, circular motions without using too much pressure. And make sure to get every surface of every tooth!

Add flossing to your daily routine.

Your toothbrush does its best to clean all areas of your mouth, but there are some areas that a toothbrush simply cannot reach—like the tight spaces between teeth, for example. This, of course, is where floss comes in. Floss removes small food particles between your teeth, preventing bacterial buildup in those spaces, which can help prevent cavities (not to mention gum disease!).

Use mouthwash.

Mouthwash isn’t just for freshening your breath. When combined with brushing and flossing, mouthwash can help rinse away those tiny food particles left in the mouth. Plus, many mouthwash varieties contain fluoride, which is an important ingredient for supporting healthy teeth and preventing cavities.

Watch what you eat.

Certain foods—like sweet, sticky ones—create a breeding ground for cavities. This is because they stick to the teeth, allowing sugars to work away at the tooth surfaces. Avoiding these foods as much as possible is only going to benefit your oral health (and decrease your chances of developing cavities).

Visit your dentist.

Your dentist is the best person to tell you what else you can try to optimize your oral health care and prevent cavities. Regular dental visits (complete with cleanings) can also help your smile stay healthy, so make sure to schedule them at least once every 6 months.

It can be frustrating if you feel like you have good dental hygiene habits and are still developing cavities, but there may be some things you can try to prevent cavities in the future. Trust us, prioritizing your smile is more than worth the effort! Contact Smile Concepts in Scottsdale today to schedule your next visit and discuss any oral health concerns you may have.

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