WHY DO I STILL GET CAVITIES EVEN WHEN I BRUSH LIKE CRAZY?

That’s exactly how I feel - like, what’s the point of all this effort if I’m still getting cavities? My dentist mentioned genetics too, and it’s honestly kind of frustrating. I even tried using prescription fluoride toothpaste for a while, hoping it’d help, but I still had to get a filling last year. Have you ever looked into things like dental sealants or changing up your diet? I’m starting to wonder if there’s something else I’m missing...

“I even tried using prescription fluoride toothpaste for a while, hoping it’d help, but I still had to get a filling last year.”

I feel you on this one - there’s nothing more discouraging than going all-in on the fancy toothpaste and still ending up in the dentist’s chair. I actually asked my hygienist the same thing after my first cavity (which, by the way, I got after brushing like a maniac for months). She said genetics can be a real pain, but also mentioned that some people just have deeper grooves in their teeth where gunk loves to hide. That’s where sealants come in - she practically begged me to get them.

Diet’s a weird one too. I used to think “as long as I’m not drinking soda, I’m good,” but apparently stuff like crackers and even dried fruit can be just as bad because they stick around so long. It’s wild how much those little things matter.

Honestly, I started flossing more and chewing sugar-free gum after meals (someone told me it helps with saliva), and my last checkup was actually cavity-free. Not sure if it’s luck or what, but at this point, I’ll try anything short of giving up chocolate...

A lot of people focus on brushing and forget that timing matters too. If you’re brushing right after acidic foods or drinks, it can actually wear down enamel more. Also, overbrushing (too hard or too often) can cause gum recession, which exposes root surfaces and makes them more prone to decay. I’d double-check your technique before switching up products again… sometimes less is more.

That’s a really good point about timing. I used to brush right after my morning orange juice, thinking I was being extra diligent, but my hygienist told me to wait at least half an hour. Honestly, I didn’t realize how much that could matter. I also learned the hard way about brushing too hard - my gums got sensitive and started receding a bit. Sometimes it feels like no matter what you do, those cavities sneak up anyway... Genetics probably play a role too, which is frustrating.

You’re definitely not alone with this. I remember thinking I was doing everything right, brushing after every meal, flossing, even using mouthwash, but I still ended up with a couple of cavities last year. The timing thing with acidic stuff like OJ really caught me off guard too. I always figured brushing right after would get rid of the sugar and acid - turns out I was just scrubbing my enamel while it was still soft. Who knew?

I’ve also had issues with brushing too hard. My dentist actually showed me how my toothbrush bristles were splayed out, and apparently that’s a sign I was going way too aggressive. Now I use a soft brush and try to be gentle, but like you said, it’s easy to overdo it when you’re worried about cavities.

Have you ever had your saliva tested? My hygienist mentioned that some people just have less protective saliva, or their mouth is more acidic by default, which can make cavities more likely no matter how well you brush. I haven’t done that yet but it’s on my list.

Genetics definitely play a part, which is frustrating. My sister barely brushes and never gets cavities, while I feel like I’m always getting bad news at the dentist. Sometimes I wonder if there’s something else I’m missing - like should I be using special toothpaste, or rinsing after snacks? Or is it just bad luck?

Out of curiosity, do you snack between meals? I heard frequent snacking keeps your mouth acidic, which makes things worse. I’ve tried cutting back, but honestly, it’s tough when you’re hungry at work...

It’s weird how much trial and error goes into something as basic as brushing your teeth. If you’ve found anything that actually helped cut down on cavities, I’d be interested to hear. Otherwise, I guess we just keep doing our best and hope for the best at those checkups.