How to Prevent Cavities Effectively – The Most Common Mistakes

3. Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

3.1 “I brush my teeth once a day – that’s enough”

• Brushing once a day leaves up to 50% of plaque

• Stick to 2x/day, morning and night

• Just 20 seconds with Y-Brush and you’re done

3.2 Brushing Too Hard or Too Fast

• Fast or aggressive brushing damages gums and enamel

• Stick to gentle circular motions

• Easy to follow with the Y-Brush automatic brushing

3.3 Ignoring Interdental Spaces

• These are cavity-prone zones

• Use dental floss or brushes suited to your interdental gaps

• Teach children early

3.4 Using Toothpaste with No or Too Little Fluoride

• Fluoride is a quiet but key ally

• Use 1000–1500 ppm

• For kids: adjust amount by age (e.g., pea-sized for ages 1–6 with 1000 ppm)

3.5 Rinsing Right After Brushing

• Rinsing immediately washes away the fluoride

• Best practice:

  • Spit out excess toothpaste

  • Wait 30 minutes before drinking or rinsing

3.6 Brushing Right Before Bed Without Hydrating First

• Water, mineral drinks, or sugar-free gum before bed stimulate saliva

• They help create a protective oral environment overnight

3.7 Ignoring the Oral Microbiome

• Some foods (green tea, aged cheeses, xylitol, fermented products) help maintain a protective balance

• Sugary snacks and sodas between meals promote hidden cavities

3.8 Skipping Professional Care

• Fluoride varnish or pit-and-fissure sealants protect teeth — especially in kids

• Scaling removes tartar and the plaque that bacteria feed on

4. Global Prevention Strategy

4.1 Morning Routine

• Brush teeth (2 min) with fluoride toothpaste

• Use floss or interdental brushes

• Optional: mouthwash (avoid alcohol-containing ones unless prescribed)

4.2 Afternoon Routine

• Rinse mouth with water after meals

• Chew sugar-free xylitol gum to stimulate saliva and reduce acidity

• Opt for healthy snacks: fresh fruit, raw veggies, plain yogurt

4.3 Evening Routine

• Second brushing like in the morning

• Wait 30 minutes before drinking or eating

• Use floss/interdental brushes

• Use fluoride gels or varnishes if needed

4.4 Complementary Oral Care

• Anti-plaque or anti-sensitivity toothpaste depending on your needs

• Dentist: scaling every 6 months, sealants for kids

• Education: teach brushing techniques and guide children

5. Special Focus on Children and Teens

5.1 Learning Good Habits Early

• Supervise brushing until age 7–8

• Use fluoride toothpaste suited to their age

• Encourage sugar-free gum and water as the go-to drink

5.2 Preventive Sealants

• First molars and large incisors are ideal for sealing

• Around ages 6–7 and reinforced at 12–13

5.3 Avoiding Bottle Caries

• Never let a child fall asleep with milk or sugary drinks

• Only water before bed, followed by brushing if milk was consumed

6. Innovations & New Approaches

6.1 Oral Prebiotics & Probiotics

• Promote protective bacteria with specific gums or sprays

• Promising studies — still ongoing

6.2 Connected Apps

• Link with toothbrushes to track brushing time, pressure, and frequency

• Improve technique and give parents visibility on children's habits

6.3 Products with Xylitol or Agave Syrup*

• Xylitol reduces cavity-causing bacteria

• Stay within safe limits: max 10g/day for kids

• Ensure quality ingredients

7. Practical Tips

• Time brushing with an app or hourglass

• Dispense toothpaste in small doses

• Mark dentist appointments every 6 months

• Use a glass instead of a straw bottle to reduce sugar contact time

Example Situations – Summary Table

Preventing cavities comes down to disciplined hygiene, a smart diet, and avoiding common mistakes. With the right tools like the Y-Brush range, adapted products, and proper guidance, both kids and adults can keep their smiles healthy — for life.