It´s common knowledge that following a thorough daily oral health routine is your first line of defence against cavities. Still, it might not be enough.
You could brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once every day. Nonetheless, many habits could still be putting you at high risk for cavities.
Join us as we guide you through everything you need to know about cavities so you can answer the question. Are you at high risk for cavities? Let´s begin!
Cavities, the Ultimate Guide
First thing, cavities are the destruction of your teeth’ structure. This is caused when bacteria, sugar, and acid combine inside your mouth.
Bacteria feed on sugar, causing sugar to break down into acid. This acid damages tooth enamel in a process known as demineralisation.
Keep in mind that, if untreated, cavities will grow through your teeth´s outer enamel layer. Nevertheless, if this happens, it can´t be reversed.
When talking about the most common factors (and habits) that put you at high risk for cavities, we could mention:
Drugs, alcohol, and tobacco
Alcohol consumption affects your oral health in two critical ways. First, its acidity levels are highly prejudicial for tooth enamel.
Second, alcohol can also lead to dry mouth, which creates a favourable environment for plaque-causing bacteria to thrive in your mouth.
Hard drugs (like methamphetamine) cause tooth decay (and rot). They´re also a source for multiple oral and general health issues.
Likewise, tobacco use is another common cause of dry mouth. It also leads to stained, yellowish, discoloured teeth.
Poor diet and eating disorders
Having a poor diet deprives you of many nutrients (like phosphorus and calcium) that are integral to keeping strong, healthy teeth.
Likewise, some eating disorders (like bulimia) involve the practice of purging, which in the long run, eventually damages tooth enamel.
Aging
Just like your body changes as you age, so does your mouth. Age (and some medications) weakens tooth enamel, thus increasing the risk for cavities.
Also, older patients tend to suffer from gum recession, which leaves teeth more exposed and vulnerable to bacteria attacks.
Dental fillings
It might seem contradictory, given that dental fillings´ function is to treat cavities. However, there´s a possibility that larger fillings could make you develop more cavities.
When you get large dental fillings, bacteria could end up trapped underneath. In which case, your dentist can either fix said filling or use a dental crown instead.
Genetics
Whether it´s a cause for having higher levels of mouth bacteria or the reason you have softer, brittle teeth. Genetics has its role in oral health.
However, (though it still could increase your risk for cavities), this is a minor role.
A recent study on identical twins concluded that, although there´s a genetic predisposition for certain teeth conditions. There´s no genetic indicator for tooth decay risk factors.
All in all, other than following a thorough daily oral health routine. You can reduce the risk of cavities by keeping up with your regular dental checkups.
If you´re unsure about whether or not you´re at high risk for cavities, give us a call so we can schedule a consultation!
Our dental health team will gladly assess your case and develop for you a customised plan to help reduce your risk for cavities!
