A cavity is a permanently damaged area on a tooth’s surface. The area gradually develops into a hole if left untreated. Cavities rarely cause pain at the initial stages, and it may not be easy to discover their existence.
I Brush, I Floss, Why Do I Keep Getting Cavities?
The best way to prevent tooth cavities is by maintaining proper dental hygiene. Unfortunately, you may end up with cavities despite flossing and brushing your teeth twice a day. Some of the possible reasons causing cavities despite brushing and flossing include:
- Family history
- Flossing and brushing incorrectly
- Frequent snacking
- Teeth grinding
- Dry mouth
- Reflux
If you have cavities days after changing your toothpaste, you might be using a toothpaste with a high relative dentin abrasion value. Ensure your toothpaste’s RDA doesn’t exceed 250, and always lookout for an ADA seal before you purchase toothpaste or any dental product.
You might have come across natural dental products at the mall or a store near you. However, it’s important to note that some of these natural alternatives lack fluoride. Fluoride helps eliminate cavities during the initial stages of tooth decay. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that your mouth rinse or toothpaste contains fluoride.
Can You Stop A Cavity Once It Starts?
Luckily, you can reverse cavities during the early stages by improving your oral hygiene. In addition, including vitamins and supplements in your diet can help stop a cavity during the early stages. Another great way to prevent and reverse cavities is by visiting a professional dentist regularly. At DK Dental Care, we have the best restorative dentistry services to help you restore the healthy appearance of your teeth.
One of the best ways to treat cavities is with dental fillings. At DK Dental Care, we offer both composite and amalgam dental fillings to treat any type of cavity.
How Long Does It Take Before A Cavity Becomes A Problem?
Cavities don’t form within a day of consuming too many candy bars. It’s a process that happens gradually and usually before you discover a need for treatment. However, if left untreated, they can destroy your teeth or, worse still, lead to infections.
It can take up to 5 years for a cavity to develop to a stage where it can spread further. However, for some people, the timeline can be as short as a few months. Some of the factors that affect the development of cavities include the amount of sugary food you consume and dental hygiene habits.
Experienced dentists from DK Dental Care recommend scheduling treatment when your cavity is still in its early stages. Procedures like demineralization and fluoride treatment can help reverse the problem before it becomes worse.
Get Rid Of That Annoying Tooth Cavity Today
Have you been seeking quality dental treatment in Hales Corners? If yes, here’s good news. At DK Dental Care, we will offer you the best restorative dentistry to treat cavities before things get out of hand. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. David Keeling.
FAQs
Though good oral hygiene that includes brushing and flossing helps in preventing cavities, you may still get cavities. The reasons can be many, like the spaces between teeth that easily trap food, consuming too much cavity-causing foods and beverages, avoiding regular professional-level cleanings and checkups, etc.
Why am I getting so many cavities all of a sudden? ›
The stress of changes in your daily routine, like starting a new job, starting school, or starting a new habit, can adversely affect your health—oral health included. It may even be the reason for the sudden appearance of a cavity.
Why are some people more prone to cavities? ›
The genetic role
You can be born with the genetic possibility of weak enamel and a poor gum strength. If you have the genetics for weakened enamel, even if you are brushing and flossing thoroughly you can have still have cavities commonly. Because of this, some people may be predisposed to having weaker teeth.
Why do I always have dental problems? ›
Without good oral hygiene, germs can reach levels that might lead to infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Also, certain medicines can lower the flow of spit, called saliva. Those medicines include decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, water pills and antidepressants.
Can cavities go away with good oral hygiene? ›
The only time in which cavities can be reversed is in the early stages of demineralization. Dedicated oral hygiene is critical to restoring lost minerals in your teeth and stopping decay from progressing. Unfortunately, many do not catch cavities at this stage, and they pass the point of no return.
Why do I get cavities even though I have good hygiene? ›
Though good oral hygiene that includes brushing and flossing helps in preventing cavities, you may still get cavities. The reasons can be many, like the spaces between teeth that easily trap food, consuming too much cavity-causing foods and beverages, avoiding regular professional-level cleanings and checkups, etc.
How do I stop getting anymore cavities? ›
How can we help teeth win the tug of war and avoid a cavity?
- Use fluoride.
- Keep an eye on how often your child eats, as well as what she eats.
- Make sure your child brushes.
- Talk to a dentist about sealants.
- Take your child to the dentist for regular check-ups.
Not cleaning your teeth well, snacking a lot and sipping sugary drinks are the main causes of cavities. Cavities are areas in the hard surface of your teeth that are damaged. These areas of tooth decay become tiny openings or holes that can lead to a serious toothache, infection and tooth loss.
Why is my oral health so bad? ›
Some of the most common causes include: not using the right toothpaste, not flossing, brushing too hard, and not brushing your teeth for a long enough time. Oral hygiene plays an integral role in balancing the health of your other body functions, whether you realize it or not.
Why do my teeth keep rotting even though I brush? ›
These holes can take over your mouth due to a variety of factors, including frequent snacking, excess bacteria, not cleaning your teeth diligently, and drinking sugary drinks daily. Cavities are especially common in children, teenagers, and young adults.
How Many Cavities is Too Many? A few cavities may be normal due to sugary diets and oral hygiene, but more than 3 or 4 may indicate a need for better dental care and diet changes. Actively having a high number of cavities (more than 4 or 5) at one time might indicate issues with oral hygiene or diet.
How to rebuild enamel on teeth? ›
6 Tips on How to Remineralize Teeth
- Increase Saliva Production. One of the most effective ways to repair tooth enamel is to maximize the amount of saliva you produce. ...
- Drink More Water. ...
- Use a Remineralizing Toothpaste. ...
- Chew Sugar-Free Gum. ...
- Eat a Remineralization Diet. ...
- Dodge Acidic Drinks.
As one of the most common dental procedures among adults today, it's rare to meet someone who hasn't had at least one filling. In fact, statistics show that 84% of all adults have at least one or more fillings, and each adult has an average of seven fillings.
What causes rapid tooth decay? ›
Not cleaning your teeth well, snacking a lot and sipping sugary drinks are the main causes of cavities. Cavities are areas in the hard surface of your teeth that are damaged. These areas of tooth decay become tiny openings or holes that can lead to a serious toothache, infection and tooth loss.
Is having 12 cavities bad? ›
Trust your gut; if you've never had all your cavities your whole life, see the dentist every six months, and have excellent oral hygiene, then it should raise a red flag if a new dentist tells you that you suddenly need twelve fillings.
Can you reverse cavities? ›
Hygiene habits and medical conditions can lead to cavities and tooth decay. You can get rid of the plaque that causes cavities. You can also reverse early cavities with the right treatment. You can't reverse a cavity once it gets deep enough.
