Brushing and flossing your teeth everyday is not a guarantee that you’ll never have cavities. There are other situations and habits that can put you at a higher risk of cavities. Cavities occur due to oral bacteria that cause decay or what is commonly known as dental caries. Cavities are a top concern in family dentistry. Bacteria can spread further and invade different areas of the tooth. When this happens, it is regarded as a bacterial infection. Let’s examine some factors that put you at a higher risk of cavities, and give you tips to minimize your risks.
The Presence of Oral Bacteria
Bacteria in the mouth can quickly build up whenever you eat sugary foods or carbohydrates and drinks that create acids. Acids in the mouth corrode the protective layer of the tooth enamel making it sensitive and prone to bacteria. When the substance on the protective layer of the enamel is removed, the result is significant exposure to infection. Some people have more microbe species than others do; for this reason, they have a higher risk of getting cavities.
Dental Care
How keen are you on taking care of your teeth and gums? People who brush and floss daily reduce their risk of oral bacteria that can lead to cavities. This is because food particles are eliminated in the mouth, so acid does not corrode the enamel. Additionally, visiting Hummingbird Dental’s dental office in Richmond Hill for regular checkups (and professional cleaning) will go a long way to help you keep cavities at bay.
Diet
What you eat determines how prone you are to cavities. When you consume too many acidic foods and drinks, you increase the chances of eroding the enamel on your teeth. This can also cause your teeth to be more sensitive. High acidity is not good for the mouth, and your saliva is not as effective to restore it to normal pH due to the increased acidity. Foods that are sugary or high in carbohydrates can also contribute to cavities since they enhance bacteria in the mouth.
Dry Mouth
Saliva is what helps to wash away bacteria, maintain normal pH and prevent acidity that may erode the enamel. When you have dry mouth, it means that you don’t have adequate saliva to perform these functions. This increases your risk of tooth decay. Dry mouth can be caused by different factors, including the medications you take and treatments you require (such as chemotherapy). You need to drink lots of water or ask your dentist to recommend a mouth rinse to help counter the effects of dry mouth.
The Shape of Your Teeth
In most cases, the teeth in the back of our mouths are most prone to decay. This is because the molars and bicuspids have tiny fissures that can easily trap food particles and bacteria; this eventually creates decay. Some people have deeper fissures than others on the teeth in the back of their mouths, and they are more likely to experience tooth decay.
Receding Gums
If you have receding gums, it means that the roots of your teeth are more exposed, and this makes you more prone to tooth decay.
Other factors, such as vomiting, can create an acidic environment in the mouth that causes bacteria to thrive and increase your susceptibility to tooth decay.
Family dentistry provides techniques that are effective in dealing with cavities. Discuss your options with a qualified dental expert. Learn more about Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Health from Richmond Hill Dentists.