Researchers compared 20 teenagers with cavities to 20 teenagers without cavities to understand what habits protect teeth. They found that teens without cavities brush their teeth more often with fluoride toothpaste, use fluoride supplements more regularly, and drink fewer sugary beverages and sodas. Teens with cavities consumed sweet drinks and sugary snacks much more frequently. This research helps explain why some teens develop cavities while others don’t, pointing to specific daily habits that make a real difference in tooth health.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether teenagers with cavities have different brushing habits, fluoride use, and eating patterns compared to teenagers without cavities
  • Who participated: 40 teenagers total—20 with cavities and 20 without cavities. All were compared on their daily habits
  • Key finding: Teenagers without cavities brushed their teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste 75% of the time, while only 35% of teens with cavities did this. Teens with cavities drank sugary sodas and energy drinks much more often—30% had them daily versus 0% in the cavity-free group
  • What it means for you: Your daily habits matter significantly for cavity prevention. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and limiting sugary drinks appear to be the most important factors, though this study is small and shows association, not definitive cause-and-effect

The Research Details

This was a case-control study, which means researchers compared two groups of teenagers—one with cavities and one without—to identify differences in their habits. The researchers looked at 40 teenagers total (20 in each group) and asked them about their tooth brushing frequency, use of fluoride products, and how often they consumed sugary foods and drinks. They recorded specific details like whether teens brushed once or twice daily, how often they used fluoride supplements, and their consumption patterns for sodas, energy drinks, candy, and sweet snacks. The researchers then used statistical tests to determine which differences between the groups were meaningful and not just due to chance.

Case-control studies are useful for identifying patterns and habits that might protect against or increase disease risk. By comparing teenagers who already have cavities with those who don’t, researchers can spot behavioral differences that may explain why some develop cavities. This approach helps identify which habits are worth focusing on for prevention.

This study has a small sample size (only 40 teenagers), which means the results may not apply to all teenagers everywhere. The study shows associations between habits and cavities but cannot prove that one causes the other. The researchers did verify their statistical calculations, which is good practice. However, the small size means we should view these findings as suggestive rather than definitive proof.

What the Results Show

The most striking difference was in tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily: 75% of cavity-free teens did this compared to only 35% of teens with cavities. This difference was statistically significant, meaning it’s unlikely to be due to chance. Fluoride supplement use also differed meaningfully—25% of cavity-free teens used fluoride supplements daily or multiple times weekly, compared to only 5% of teens with cavities. The consumption of sugary beverages showed the largest gap: 30% of teens with cavities consumed sodas and energy drinks daily, while none of the cavity-free teens did. Additionally, 40% of teens with cavities consumed sugary snacks (candy, ice cream, sweet bread) four to six times weekly, compared to only 20% of cavity-free teens. Overall, four out of five measured habits showed statistically significant differences between the groups.

Diet frequency (how often teens ate meals) did not show a significant difference between groups, suggesting that meal timing matters less than what’s consumed. The specific pattern of sugary snack consumption was notable: teens with cavities were much more likely to eat sweet snacks frequently throughout the week rather than occasionally.

These findings align with decades of dental research showing that fluoride toothpaste, regular brushing, and limiting sugar intake are protective against cavities. This study provides additional evidence that these habits are particularly important during the teenage years when cavity risk remains high.

The study included only 40 teenagers, which is a small number. We don’t know if these teenagers represent all teenagers or just a specific group. The study relied on teenagers reporting their own habits, which may not be completely accurate. The researchers didn’t measure other factors that might affect cavities, such as genetics, water fluoridation in their area, or professional dental cleanings. This is a correction to a previously published study, indicating there was an error in how the original data was presented, though the underlying data and conclusions remain valid.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, teenagers should aim to: (1) Brush teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste—this shows the strongest association with cavity prevention; (2) Consider fluoride supplements if recommended by a dentist; (3) Limit sugary beverages to occasional consumption rather than daily; (4) Reduce frequent consumption of candy, ice cream, and sweet snacks. These recommendations have moderate confidence based on this small study combined with existing dental research. Confidence level: Moderate (small study size, but findings align with established dental science)

All teenagers should pay attention to these findings, especially those who currently have cavities or whose parents had cavity problems. Teenagers who already brush twice daily and limit sugary drinks are likely already following the protective pattern. Young people with limited access to fluoride products or dental care should prioritize at least twice-daily brushing and reducing sugar consumption. These findings may be less relevant to very young children or adults, whose cavity risk factors may differ.

Improvements in cavity prevention typically take several months to become apparent. If a teenager changes their habits today, they might see reduced cavity formation within 6-12 months, though this varies based on individual factors. The benefits of consistent brushing and reduced sugar intake accumulate over time.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily tooth brushing frequency (target: 2+ times daily with fluoride toothpaste) and sugary beverage consumption (target: 0-1 times per week). Use a simple daily checklist: Did I brush twice today? How many sugary drinks did I have?
  • Set a specific goal to reduce sugary drink consumption by 50% over the next month. For example, if you currently drink soda 4 times weekly, aim for 2 times weekly. Simultaneously, set a reminder to brush teeth at the same times each day (morning and evening) to build consistency.
  • Use the app to log brushing sessions and sugary drink intake daily. Review weekly trends to identify patterns. Schedule a dental checkup in 6 months to assess whether habit changes are reducing cavity formation. Track any new cavities or dental issues to correlate with behavior changes.

This research describes associations between habits and cavities in a small group of teenagers and should not replace professional dental advice. The study cannot prove that these habits directly cause or prevent cavities. Individual cavity risk depends on many factors including genetics, water fluoridation, and professional dental care. Always follow your dentist’s specific recommendations for your oral health. If you have concerns about cavities or dental health, consult with a qualified dental professional. This article discusses a correction to a previously published study; the underlying findings remain valid but should be interpreted with awareness of the study’s small size.