Patients or parents of children patients are constantly surprised by the appearance of cavities.  In particular, parents are quick to blame their children for not brushing well enough.  Often adults will say, "but I brush my teeth twice a day".

It is important to understand that brushing and even flossing may not fully protect an individual.  Moreover, it is often the food intake, especially fluids, that cause the concern.  Particularly, fluids that have sugar content, especially those containing acids, substantially increase the risk for dental decay.  This is especially true if the liquids are consumed slowly over a long period of time.

This could be something simple like coffee creamer containing sugar, a soda (this includes diet), energy drinks such as gator aid, fruit juices, regular or chocolate milk and any other beverage that has sugar and/or acids.  The slow drinking of these beverages will eventually cause etching of the enamel that, over time, will lead to the involvement of the dentin, at which time, decay occurs.

To protect against this occurence, substitute water for other beverages.  If you or a loved one consumes a potentially damaging beverage, drink it over a short period of time, preferably at meal times only.  Make sure that a fluoride toothpaste is used (children who can not expiate must not use fluoride toothpaste).

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