I Brush My Teeth But Still Get Cavities – Why?

Saying that you have good oral hygiene habits doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing to a dentist. Make sure that your “good” oral hygiene routine also meets your dentist’s standards.

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It’s not uncommon for a patient to be shocked when their dentist tells them they have a cavity. It’s frustrating because not only do they rarely get cavities, but they brush and floss regularly. So how is it possible to get a cavity when you have good oral hygiene habits?

If you find yourself in this situation, we understand how frustrated you feel. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver the gentle dental care that you deserve from sedation dentists in St. Louis.

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I love this dentist office! Everyone is so friendly and accommodating. Dr. Thoms is an excellent dentist that listens to you and makes sure everything is done to your satisfaction. They do TRUE dental sedation. Not just give you a pill like other offices’s that claim they do sedation. Since I am allergic to medicine a dentist normally uses I have to be truly sedated to have work done on my teeth. They do Botox for teeth grinding and TMJ also

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind 5-star review! We truly appreciate your thoughtful feedback and are glad you had a positive experience with our team and services. Your trust means so much to us.

Michelle B.

If we lived in closer proximity, we would see Dr. Thoms for all of our dentistry needs. As it is, we happily made the 2.25 hour trip three times for my daughter's root canal and crown. Dr. Thoms and the entire team were expert, kind, and compassionate.
We could not ask for more!

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Wonderful place for my special needs daughter. She is not always cooperative. They are very good and patient with her. Thankful she can receive anesthesia at the office and not have to take her for out patient service at a hospital. Thank you to all the staff 😇

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As a 75 year old man, I have been to several dentist’s and none compare to Dr. Thoms and Dr. Behl. The entire staff is very knowledgeable and accommodating. I have had some major work done and I/V sedation is definitely the way to go. Five stars to the entire team at DAC. I highly recommend their services.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We truly appreciate your trust in our team. It’s always our goal to provide comfortable, high-quality care to every patient.

What is Good Oral Hygiene?

Saying that you have good oral hygiene habits don’t necessarily mean the same thing to a dentist. You may brush your teeth twice a day and assume that is good oral health. While brushing your teeth is obviously necessary, there is definitely more to it.

Good oral hygiene includes these five essential habits:

• Brush teeth at least twice a day
• Floss at least once a day
• Avoid sugary drinks and snacks
• Drink plenty of water with meals
• Get dental checkups twice a year

In addition to the basics, there are several other things you should do or avoid to prevent cavities. For instance, how regularly do you go to the dentist for checkups and teeth cleanings? Less than once or twice a year? How about your drinking habits? Some eating and drinking habits can have an immediate effect on our teeth. Do you sip on soda all day long at work? If so, bacteria is growing and causing damage; therefore, brushing twice a day is likely not enough.

How Do Cavities Form?

Our teeth are made up of minerals. When we eat or drink sugary or starchy foods, bacteria in the plaque on our teeth begin producing acid. This acid eats away at the enamel. When the pH in our mouths becomes more acidic, our teeth start losing the natural minerals on our teeth.

When these acids erode the enamel, a cavity, or hole, begins to form. Tooth decay can affect all layers of a tooth. It can take years for a cavity to develop in the solid outer layer of the enamel. However, a cavity forms more quickly as the middle and innermost layers of tooth decay. It can eventually erode to the root, which can cause severe pain and sensitivity.

How to Prevent Cavities

We’re glad you brush your teeth twice a day – that’s a good habit. However, if you’re lacking in some of these other areas, you may be told you have a cavity at your next dental visit. Make sure that your “good” oral hygiene routine also meets your dentist’s standards. Regular brushing, especially after meals, and flossing once a day, are the best combination. Further, avoid sugary and starchy foods that linger on your teeth and cause bacteria to multiply. Finally, get to the dentist at least twice a year for a routine checkup and cleaning.

If you continue to have issues with your teeth, you might have an underlying condition that needs to be identified and addressed. Be sure to discuss this with your dentist at your next visit!