Seeing your dentist in Scottsdale, AZ is an important part of keeping your teeth healthy and white. However, good dental care doesn’t stop after a routine cleaning. In order to avoid cavities that can cause you pain, it’s important to understand what causes them. Some of the most common causes can be found below, along with information on how you can avoid them for healthier teeth.

1. Not Brushing and Flossing

One of the biggest causes of cavities is lack of brushing and flossing on a daily basis. While brushing should be done twice per day, flossing generally only needs to be done once. If you skip either, then you won’t be removing food particles or bacteria that can lead to cavities.

2. Eating Unhealthy Foods

While you might know that unhealthy foods are bad for your overall health, did you know they can impact your dental health, too? Sugary foods are some of the worst, as these can lead to the formation of cavities because sugar can go into even the smallest crevices of your teeth.

3. Lack of Hydration

If you have dry mouth often, then this means your mouth likely isn’t getting enough saliva, which is needed to wash away plaque. While you can brush diligently, it’s still important to stay hydrated to prevent or avoid dry mouth as much as possible.

4. Weak Enamel

While weak enamel can be the result of aging, it can also be caused by tooth grinding. If you notice that you grind your teeth, whether as you sleep or while you’re daydreaming, then it’s important to address this right away in order to protect your teeth and prevent cavities.

5. Consuming Acidic Food and Drink

Juice, soda, and even certain fruits can break down the enamel on your teeth because of the acid that they contain. This provides the perfect grounds for cavities to form, which is something you want to avoid.

What Are the Symptoms of Cavities?

– Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
– Sharp tooth pain without any cause
– Pain when eating or biting down
– You can see a hole in your tooth
– A tooth is stained black, white, or brown

Fighting Cavities Year-Round

While the tips above can help you avoid cavities, it’s still important to work with your Dentists in Phoenix and Scottsdale  to maintain proper dental health. What’s even better is that they can help you achieve the most beautiful smile imaginable, which can boost your confidence and mean better oral health for life.