You can still get cavities, no matter how well you take care of your teeth. There are some reasons why you may get cavities, even with a great oral hygiene routine. This can be upsetting since cavities can be painful and costly to deal with. Here some things you can do to help prevent cavities:

Improve Your Diet

A poor diet is one reason why you may be getting cavities more often. You can undo a lot of the work you do to take care of your teeth if you do not eat properly. A diet full of sugary drinks and food can wreak havoc on your teeth. The only way to prevent this is to avoid sugary foods and beverages and immediately clean your teeth afterward if you do indulge from time to time. Sugar sits on the teeth and will grow bacteria, which leads to decay. The decay eats away at the tooth enamel and will eventually cause a cavity to form.

Decrease the Buildup of Bacteria

Everyone has bacteria in the mouth, but some have more aggressive bacteria growth. These bacteria cause increased cavities in the mouth. If you have a natural overgrowth of bacteria, you are not going to be able to control it unless you take extra care. You need to implement an antibacterial oral rinse to your oral hygiene routine. This will help kill off some of the bacteria in your mouth, but it's important to stay on top of regular brushing and flossing. 

Pay Attention to Gum Recession

If your gums are receded, you have more tooth enamel exposed to bacteria. Any area that is not protected by gum tissue is more vulnerable. You also have to be careful when you brush if you have receding gums. If you brush your teeth too hard, you can cause the gums to recede even more. This will ultimately lead to even more recession, starting the process over again. If you have receding gums, be sure to clean your teeth well with a water pick or some other device that is not too hard on your gums.

Seal the Grooves in Teeth

You may have more grooves in your teeth than others. These natural grooves are an ideal place for bacteria to hide and grow. These teeth can be more difficult to keep clean. The grooves are generally closer to the root of the tooth, which results in enamel destruction in a very sensitive area. If your dentist tells you about grooves in your teeth, be sure to take extra measures to keep them clean. Your dentist may want to place a protective coating on these teeth to help prevent decay. You will also need to continue a healthy oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth healthy.

To learn more, contact a dental office like Wakim Family Dentistry today.