If there is one good thing we can get from this pandemic, it’s that people started looking after their oral health. Many of them say that since they are at home most of the time, they’ve become more diligent in their brushing and flossing. They also had more time to teach their kids how to take better care of their oral health. However, despite their efforts, a pedodontist in Omaha wondered why more and more children are getting cavities even though they are brushing their teeth?
Is it possible to still get cavities even if you brush your teeth?
Why Do I Still Get Cavities Even If I Brush My Teeth?
How Do Cavities Form?
Do you know that your teeth have minerals? When the pH in your mouth dips low and becomes acidic, your teeth will start losing their essential minerals. How does that happen? Plaque is a sticky film that forms over your teeth.
Every time you eat or drink starchy or sugary foods and beverages, plaque will feed on these sugars and produce acid. These acids are powerful enough to erode the strong protective layer of your teeth called the enamel. Hence, cavities form.
It takes half an hour or more to restore your mouth’s pH after drinking or eating. If you don’t allow enough time for your mouth to recover and you continue eating and drinking sugary food plaque will continue to build up on your teeth.
An example is when you drink a fruit soda. It would be better if you drank it within ten minutes because after that your mouth will start recovering instead of sipping it for an hour. Breaking this cycle will help your teeth re-mineralize.
How Can You Re-Mineralize Your Teeth?
Are you aware that your saliva plays an important role in protecting your teeth? Your saliva functions as a natural buffer against chemicals that harm your teeth. The minerals present in your teeth are also be found in your saliva.
So, when you eat, your saliva will help replenish the phosphate and calcium you lost. But that’s not enough. A pedodontist will teach your children how to correctly brush their teeth when they visit the office regularly.
If your children are not brushing their teeth the right way, plaque will build up and they may be susceptible to cavities. The type of toothpaste they use also matters. Find a toothpaste that contains fluoride and has the ADA seal of acceptance on it.
Why Do Your Children Still Get Cavities?
In a nutshell, children still get cavities because they are not brushing their teeth the right way, which means the technique they used is not effective in removing plaque, bacteria, and food particles.
It’s also possible that the toothpaste they use does not contain fluoride, which is necessary to keep your teeth strong and protected. Another thing is they consume too much sugary and starchy foods and allowing the pH to go too low that it becomes acidic.
Are You Looking for a Pedodontist in Omaha?
To keep your children cavity-free, we recommend you partner with an experienced pedodontist.
At All Smiles Family Dentistry, we are proud to provide high-quality care to all our patients both young and old thanks to our compassionate and experienced dental team. We offer a clean and comfortable clinic to help you feel relaxed during your visit. Contact the best Omaha Dentists at All Smiles Family Dentistry to request an appointment.