When you visit your dentist for a routine cleaning, the news of a cavity can shatter your sense of self-assurance. You may wonder what caused the issue: too much candy, not enough brushing, or forgetting to floss? However, there are many lesser-known reasons that are equally responsible for cavity development. Here are three of the more unexpected causes of tooth decay.

3 Surprising Reasons Behind Tooth Decay

1. Excessive Brushing

Since childhood, you’ve been taught that regular brushing is the key to cleaner, healthier teeth. While it’s important to prevent plaque from sitting on your teeth and gums for too long, it’s also possible to brush too much. If you’ve gotten in the habit of brushing every time you eat, eliminate snacking as much as you can. Also, make sure you’re not brushing for more than two to three minutes, and that your brush has soft bristles. Brushing too much or too hard could scrape the protective enamel off your teeth, making them more susceptible to cavities. Let your dentist know if you need a refresher on proper brushing methods.

2. Certain Medications

If you’re taking certain medications to improve your physical or mental health, they might harm your teeth. For example, a common side effect of prescriptions is dry mouth. Since saliva helps wash away food particles that turn into plaque, this side effect could increase the risk of cavities. Dry mouth may also lead you to turn to gum or hard candy for some moisture; both contain sugar, which speeds up cavity development.

3. Depression or Stress

If you’ve been under a lot of stress at work or in your personal life, or if you’ve been diagnosed with depressive disorder, you may be at a greater risk of getting cavities. These emotional and mental states may lead you to forget or skip your daily oral hygiene practices, allowing tartar to build up on your teeth. On the other hand, you may begin exercising to relieve stress or trigger mood-boosting endorphin production; this can also dry out the mouth and speed up tooth decay. If you’re turning to sugary beverages (including energy drinks) to help you stay up and meet your deadlines for work or school, your dental health can suffer as a result. If you’ve been feeling the effects of stress lately, consider scheduling a checkup with your dentist.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to improve your oral health, get in touch with Comfort Center for Dentistry, P.A. Located in Comfort, TX, and run by Dr. Kendra Wren, this dental care center offers everything from cleanings and X-rays to dental implants. For more information on their services, visit their website. Call (830) 995-5047 to book your dentist appointment today.