Believe it or not, Starbursts, lollipops, and sugary cereals aren’t the only things that can cause cavities. While it’s important to adequately brush and floss every day, there are a number of things that people consume daily that are increasing their odds of plaque build-up, which ultimately leads to more cavities. Here are a few other things that can cause cavities:

• Clingy foods – It’s time to break up with those foods and drinks that stick to your teeth. All sugars and starchy foods like milk, honey, raisins, hard candy, dry cereal, and bread are huge plaque promoters.
• Too much snacking – Some diets suggest eating six small foods a day to lose weight and jumpstart your metabolism. While your midsection may be looking trim, frequent snacking (no matter the food type) can be damaging to your teeth because the acid in your snacks has more time to damage your teeth.
• Bottled water – While some opt for Dasani or Fiji water, public water from the tap actually contains fluoride which helps protect your tooth enamel from plaque build-up. Check the label before purchasing your next case of bottled water – some contain fluoride, some do not. Choose a brand that does to protect your pearly whites!
• Receding gums – If your gums are receding, plaque can form near the roots of your teeth, which are not protected by tooth enamel. Enamel protects your teeth from decay, so those areas without enamel are more vulnerable to cavities!

Contact Sunrise Dental For more tips from Dr. Dinah Vice on how to maintain good oral hygiene, sign up for our newsletter here. If you’re worried that you have a cavity that needs filling, give us a call at one of our three locations or fill out our contact form. Raleigh 919-878-0055 Durham 919-493-3355 Chapel Hill 919-929-3996