Livermore Dentist - Can Cavities be Prevented with Good Brushing and Flossing? - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Brushing and flossing the teeth on a daily basis is the backbone of good oral hygiene, but can these two actions really work to prevent cavities from forming on the teeth?  If not, what other actions can be taken in order to effectively prevent the occurrence of cavities?


What is a Cavity?
Before we can begin to tackle the topic of whether or not cavities can be prevented through brushing and flossing, it is important to understand exactly what a cavity is and how it is formed.
Cavities are decayed spots on the teeth that present as black or brown spots, and/or holes in the surface of the teeth.  These are a result of a build-up of food particles that attract bacteria to feed on them.  This breaks down the enamel of the teeth, leaving areas of decay or holes.

Does Brushing and Flossing Prevent Cavity Formation?
The simple answer to the question of whether or not brushing prevents cavity formation is “yes”.  Dentists agree that brushing is a huge part of good oral hygiene, and good oral hygiene helps in the prevention of cavities.  Brushing the teeth serves to remove food particles left over after eating, and when the saliva of the mouth is unable to fully clean the teeth.  And, because brushing is not able to fully reach all areas of the mouth, flossing is extremely important.  Floss is able to reach in-between the teeth where foods can get caught and bacteria can thrive.  Flossing daily removes these particles, thus preventing a build-up of bacteria that can breakdown the teeth causing serious damage to the enamel, and ultimately cause a cavity.

Brushing alone can greatly assist in preventing cavities, but the rate of cavity prevention goes up when both brushing and flossing are used together.  It is recommended that an individual brush at least twice a day (in the morning after breakfast and at night before bed) in order to have the best effect on preventing tooth decay and tartar build-up.  Flossing is recommended at least once a day (at night) to remove all leftover food particles and bacteria before bed.  Because cavities are more likely to form overnight when the mouth is idler, flossing before bed has the greatest effect.  While flossing during the day does contribute to the overall health of the teeth, the effect is much greater when flossing is done at night, removing all cavity causing agents before sleep. 

Other Methods of Cavity Prevention
Brushing and flossing are excellent methods to prevent cavities.  In fact, they are the primary at-home activities for preventing cavities.  However, they are not the only methods out there.  Other methods that assist in cavity prevention are: using a fluorinated mouthwash, seeing a dentist at least two times a year, chewing sugar free gum between meals (keeps saliva moving throughout the mouth, thus removing bacteria), getting a new tooth brush every six months or less, and limit the consumption of foods containing large amounts of sugar (such as candy and cake).

source: http://www.teethcenter.com/can-cavities-be-prevented-with-good-brushing-and-flossing/