Why Do I Get Cavities Even Though I Brush and Floss Everyday?

I hear the question, "Why do I get cavities even though I brush and floss everyday?" all the time. Here's the skinny:

SIMPLE ANSWER:  The acidity of foods. The foods and drinks we consume have different levels of acidity. These foods/drinks include sugary sport drinks, soda, bananas, candy, and even certain bottled waters. Almost everything besides purified tap water contains enough acidity to be a potential threat.


THE SOLUTION:
The only true solution is prevention and education. Brushing and flossing are instrumental in the quest to fight cavities and gum disease.  They are the mechanical means to remove plaque from our teeth.  If done thoroughly and properly, one can significantly reduce the likelihood of getting a cavity and gum inflammation. Prevention also includes the use of fluoride and getting the hard to clean parts of the teeth sealed off with resin-based sealants (done by your dentist). 

If you are diligent about your brushing and flossing, then pat yourself on the back and keep up the good work. If you are not, please consider changing your habits. If you are on the go and can't get to a toothbrush you can swish some water in your mouth to dilute the more acidic foods. At Roselle Park Dental, we take pride in knowing that our patients leave our office with a better understanding of preventive measures.

TIP OF THE DAY: Read the labels on your food/drink!  If there are more ingredients on the label than you have fingers DON'T consume it.