We all know the old-school drill—brush twice a day, floss, and don’t overdo the sugar—but let’s be real—if it were that simple, no one would get cavities, right? The issue is that cavities or caries are a huge issue. Here are some stats to back it up.
Tooth Cavities—A Growing Epidemic
According to a 2021 study by the WHO – Global Burden of Disease – untreated cavities or decayed teeth are the most common health issue worldwide.
An estimated 2 billion people – 25% of the world’s population, suffer from adult tooth decay, while 514 million children have cavities in their baby teeth.
But there’s more…
1 in every 5 adults has at least one untreated cavity and 50% of children between the ages of 6 and 9 have already had their first cavity.
Moreover, the prevalence of tooth decay is set to grow—urbanisation, hectic lifestyles, dependence on fast foods, inadequate fluorides in drinking water, tobacco use and alcohol consumption compound the issue.
So, that’s the state of the problem in 2025, but it doesn’t explain how or why cavities form. Let’s take a closer look…
The Science Behind Oral Cavities
Everything we eat or drink leaves residue in the mouth. When bad bacteria start to break these leftovers down—especially sugars, they’re turned into acids. When bacteria increases due to poor oral hygiene or frequent snacking, the acids build up and linger on the teeth for longer.
As they do, harmful corrosives slowly start leaching out calcium from the enamel and dissolving it. Eventually, the enamel – the hardest substance in the human body, becomes softened and damaged—a condition called early-stage tooth decay or white-spot lesion. As the damage progresses, the weak enamel breaks off, forming dental caries or cavities.
Primary causes of cavities include:
- Starchy, sticky foods like chocolate, syrups, cakes, pastries, toffees, white-bread sandwiches, etc.
- Sugary snacks like crackers, nutty bars, popsicles, ice creams, etc.
- Fizzy drinks like sodas, colas, etc.
- Cigarette smoking, vaping, and alcohol over-consumption
- Poor oral hygiene
- Low saliva flow in the mouth due to ageing, dehydration, medicines, radiotherapy, etc.
Here’s the thing…
Having a good understanding of how cavities are formed and what causes them goes some way to tackling the problem but as the saying goes “It’s better and more useful to meet a problem in time, rather than to seek a cure after the damage is done” So I guess it’s time to talk about cavity prevention…
How to Prevent Cavities—the Best Hacks That Work
Whether your child is still learning to brush their teeth, you have a teen living off energy drinks, you’re an adult who misses out on daily flossing, or you have an elderly family member who needs extra care—this guide on how to prevent cavities is for you.
Habits—Moderation is Key
You don’t have to quit sugar;
Let’s be realistic, that’s not a fair ask.
But if your idea of desserts is tucking into a tub of ice cream and bingeing it all in one night, then we need to talk. Maintaining good dietary and hygiene habits is crucial for kids, adults and seniors alike.
For kids, you can swap sticky, crunchy snacks with apples, and carrots. If they crave sweetness add a drizzle of honey. Limit sugary treats to weekends and special occasions and make sure they brush before bed and rinse their mouth soon after meals. Don’t forget, family time brushing—that is, brushing together with your child. It’s a great way to motivate them to ‘buy into’ their oral care.
For adults, your oral health is only as good as the habits you promote so, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Swap fizzy drinks with water-based, sugar-free drinks like smoothies and cut back on multiple cups of tea/coffee. Antioxidant-rich green tea combats bacteria and can reduce the probability of cavities. Drink it between meals to provide a refreshing boost to your oral health.
- Use a straw—whether you’re having an iced coffee, sugar-based drinks or enjoying your favourite cocktail, use a straw to sip it. Doing so bypasses contact with your teeth.
- After drinking, rinse your mouth with water to help wash away the sugars and acids.
- Late-night parties can disrupt bedtime habits such as brushing; regardless of the occasion, always make a special effort to brush your teeth before going to bed.
- Include flossing in your everyday practice, especially after snacking on fibrous foods like popcorn or after meat-based meals.
- Midnight snacking is a big no-no; don’t let that leftover cookie turn into a cavity breeding ground.
For seniors For older adults, dry mouth (Xerostomia) is a real problem and can be caused by certain medications. Where possible, ask your practitioner to change the medication. Also, don’t forget to aid saliva production by regularly sipping water throughout the day and adding in sugar-free, xylitol-based chewing gums where possible. Finally, pay particular attention to thorough cleaning.
Talking of cleaning….
The Best Brushing Techniques—What Dentists Say
You’ve been brushing your teeth your whole life, but are you actually doing it right?
- Brush for a minimum of 2 minutes a day (or more), twice a day—don’t speed it through like scrolling through an Instagram reel.
- Don’t forget your gum line, tongue, and back molars—those spots love to hoard bacteria.
- Aggressive scrubbing of teeth is not advisable. It may do more harm than good. Here’s what works best:
- Small, circular motions of the toothbrush are advisable for kids
- For adults, vertical movements with a light vibratory (back-and-forth) motion work best.
- For kids, you can turn brushing into a game with toothbrushing apps and child-friendly toothbrushes. For older adults with arthritis or poor muscle control, brushing can be tough; so, opt for a larger-handled electric toothbrush and electric water flossers.
Drink Water—The Best Medicine
If there’s one free hack that keeps your teeth happy, it’s water.
Think of it as nature’s mouthwash. It rinses away food particles, neutralises acids, and keeps your saliva flowing. Staying hydrated not only improves oral health but also boosts your overall health.
Additionally, you can swish half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and rinse before bedtime. It is a simple, natural way to maintain healthy gums.
What about flavoured water?
These are the most sneaky acids that wear down enamel so avoid them where possible. Instead stick to plain old water and if you need or want extra punch, try adding cucumber, mint, or fruit slices.
And there’s one more key element …
Don’t Miss Your Dental Appointments
-We get it—life is busy, and going to the dentist isn’t exactly your idea of a fun outing. But skipping check-ups is like ignoring the dentist; Not paying regular visits to the dentist may turn small issues into BIG (and expensive) problems really fast.
Dentists catch cavities before they turn into root canals, remove hardened plaque (tartar) that brushing misses, and find issues like gum disease, oral cancer, and enamel erosion early.
Kids and seniors are especially prone to tooth decay. Why?
- Milk teeth in children have thinner, permeable enamel, making them prone to decay.
- The elderly’s teeth are typically worn out, which, combined with reduced saliva flow, makes them more susceptible to cavities.
For kids, early check-ups prevent big issues later. Teens (with their energy drinks and braces for teeth straightening) need to be extra vigilant. For older adults, regular visits help keep ageing teeth and gums strong and healthy.
But there’s more…
Preventive Care With the Dentist
In modern dentistry, oral care is proactive and not reactive. So why not let your dentist work with you to prevent those troublesome cavities in the first place?
Preventative measures include:
- Fluoride varnishes (for kids, adults and seniors) are tooth cements that strengthen enamel and stop cavities before they start.
- Dental sealants are fluoride-releasing pastes to seal off the deep grooves and fissures in the teeth, especially the back molars, to stop decay—a common dental treatment for children.
- 3D scanning & AI diagnostics can catch early-stage cavities—the white spot lesions—and prevent cavities altogether!
- Dental lasers can fix early-stage cavities without painful drilling and cleaning.
Dental care is constantly evolving, so use it to your advantage! Stay ahead of cavities before they even think about showing up.
How To Prevent Cavities - The Takeaway
Despite alarming statistics, getting cavities doesn’t have to be a certainty. Instead, simple lifestyle changes can dramatically improve your oral health. Good brushing habits, flossing, adopting teeth-friendly diets, staying hydrated and regular check-ups can help you stay ahead of cavities before they decide to show.
Whether it’s your child simply learning the ropes, a teen dodging the dentist, or your elderly parents finding it hard to maintain oral hygiene, learning how to prevent cavities together with your dentist—the one who knows your needs the best—can keep your teeth healthy.
If you’re overdue a dental check-up, take action and contact your local dentist today. You’re teeth and your oral health will thank you for it.