Can you get cavities even when you brush every day?
Yes, you can. Brushing lowers risk but does not remove it, because cavities depend on several things at once: how often sugars and acids reach the teeth, how much saliva you have and what it contains, whether fluoride is present, whether plaque is removed between the teeth and in grooves a brush misses, and the shape and history of your teeth. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is necessary but not sufficient, and a caries risk assessment at the dental exam identifies which other factors are driving decay for you.
The risk-factor table
| Factor | Why it matters | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency of sugars and acids | Each exposure starts an acid attack (IQWiG) | Fewer exposures; sugars with meals |
| Dry mouth and medications | Less saliva to buffer and repair | Physician review; fluoride; sips of water (NIDCR) |
| Low fluoride exposure | Less repair of early damage | Fluoride toothpaste; varnish or prescription paste if advised |
| Skipped interdental cleaning | Brush misses between teeth | Floss or interdental brushes daily |
| Deep grooves | Plaque traps | Sealants where appropriate (FDA) |
| Exposed roots | Softer surface | Fluoride; gentle brushing |
| Existing restorations | Margins trap plaque | Clean margins; risk-based x-rays |
| Appliances | Plaque retention | Extra cleaning |
| Brushing technique and timing | Missed areas; brushing right after acid | Two minutes, soft brush; wait after acid |
What a caries risk assessment does
The dentist combines your history, diet, saliva, fluoride use and examination into a risk level and a plan: which preventive products, how often to check, and whether early lesions can be arrested rather than filled.
Rinsing after brushing
Spitting without rinsing keeps fluoride on the teeth longer; many dentists suggest it.
Questions to ask
What is my risk level, and why? Which factor matters most for me? Which products do you recommend? How often should I have bitewing x-rays? The studio lists hygiene visits among its services (studio).
Next step: Request a consultation or call (805) 565-5111. A request is not a confirmed appointment; the office confirms times during its listed hours (Monday to Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm, plus select Fridays).
Personal risk-factor checklist
| Factor | Applies to me? | Change I will make |
|---|---|---|
| Snacks or sweet drinks between meals | ||
| Dry mouth or medications | ||
| No fluoride toothpaste, or rinsing it off | ||
| Not cleaning between teeth daily | ||
| Deep grooves or exposed roots | ||
| Appliances or many restorations |
Risk level from my dentist: ________ Products advised: ________
Guides are general education; an examination is needed for individual advice.
Sources
- Overview: Tooth decay (InformedHealth.org, updated Sep 2023) — Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG)
- Oral Hygiene — National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
- Treatment Options for Dental Caries — U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Loul Dental Studio: Services — Loul Dental Studio
Sources were current when this guide was last updated.
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Please contact the studio to discuss your own situation.