Surprising Factors That Can Boost Your Risk of Cavities

No two mouths are the same, yet almost all of them have one thing in common: tooth decay. According to Delta Dental, an overwhelming 97% of the population will get at least one cavity in their lifetime. However, this common condition is not spread out evenly. Does it seem like no matter how often you brush and floss, you still end up with more cavities than those with worse oral hygiene? If so, there may be a factor in your everyday life that is increasing your risk of cavities. Read on as your dentist explains some surprising issues that could be making you prone to tooth decay.

The Bacteria in Your Mouth

We all know that a great dental routine keeps tooth decay at bay. That’s because removing the plaque and bacteria that accumulate on your teeth and gums keeps them from producing the acid that eats away at your enamel. However, some mouths have more aggressive bacteria, which can cause more damage in a shorter amount of time. If you have this type of bacteria, you could easily experience more cavities than others.

The best way to control overly aggressive oral bacteria and reduce the tooth decay it causes is to thoroughly clean your mouth on a daily basis. The American Dental Association recommends:

• Brushing your teeth for two full minutes two times a day.
• Using floss and mouthwash at least once every day.
• Getting a professional dental checkup and cleaning twice a year.

Lack of Saliva

Your spit is designed to naturally fight off cavities throughout the day. As it constantly washes over your teeth and gums, it rinses off any lingering food particles, plaque, and bacteria. Not only does it hinder the accumulation of these harmful elements, but it also contains minerals that strengthen and protect your teeth. In a dry mouth, the undisturbed bacteria can collect rapidly and burn through the weakened enamel.

You may suffer from a chronically dry mouth because of allergies, asthma, certain medications, dehydration, or a number of other factors. Whatever the cause, you can manually rinse away the plaque and bacteria in your mouth by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. You can also chew sugarless gum to encourage saliva production or use over-the-counter remedies for additional support.

Receding Gums

The sensitive roots of your teeth are protected by your gums. However, if your gums become irritated or damaged by gum disease, over-aggressive brushing, or teeth grinding, they may pull away from your teeth. Without your gums there to protect them, the roots of your teeth become vulnerable to bacteria and decay. Since gum recession could be a warning sign of gum disease, you should see your dentist right away. Having this common condition identified and treated as early as possible can prevent infection and tooth loss as well as cavities!

Other factors like your diet, natural tooth shape, and genetics can increase your risk of tooth decay as well. If you’re concerned that you may be cavity prone, you should talk to your dentist. They can help you identify the culprit and create a treatment plan for achieving the happy, healthy smile you deserve.

About the Practice

Our skilled team at Dental Dynamics in Skokie, IL is dedicated to preventing oral health issues like gum disease and tooth decay before they even begin. With a regular dental cleaning and examination every six months, we can spot and stop these problems before they cause irreversible damage. To learn more about preventing cavities, feel free to contact us at our website or at (847) 329-9801.