Even though you brush and floss your teeth diligently, you may still struggle with tooth decay and cavities; while other people who are not as meticulous about their oral routine as you don’t seem to get cavities. Why is this? Read on to learn some of the reasons you may be more cavity prone.
Food Choices
For some people, it’s their food choices that affect their oral health. If your diet includes a lot of sugary beverages and foods such as bread, crackers, carbohydrates, sweets, sodas, and juice, it gives sugar the opportunity to fuel the bacteria in your mouth that causes tooth decay. Limiting your snacks throughout the day, making wise food choices, and drinking adequate water can help protect your teeth from decay.
Your Unique Oral Bacteria
Everyone has their own unique oral bacteria, and some are more aggressive than others in reacting with sugar. This means that the bacteria in your mouth may be more damaging than that in someone else’s mouth. If this is the case for you, using the right antibacterial mouth rinse can help reduce your chances of developing cavities without adding a lot of extra time to your home care routine.
Your Unique Tooth Shape
If your teeth have deep grooves, food particles and bacteria can become trapped in these grooves and cause tooth decay. It can also be challenging to keep your teeth clean and remove the bacteria getting trapped in the grooves with daily brushing. Talk with your dentist about applying dental sealants, which are a protective coating designed to go over the chewing surfaces of your teeth and seal them. This prevents the bacteria and acids that cause decay from getting into the grooves of your teeth.
Dry Mouth
Your saliva plays many important roles. Besides keeping your mouth hydrated, it also washes away food debris, and it works to naturally neutralize the cavity-causing acids in your mouth. If your mouth is not producing enough saliva, you may be suffering from dry mouth. This condition is not only uncomfortable, but it also contributes to causing tooth decay and cavities.
You can use an enamel enhancing mouth rinse, use over the counter oral lubricating spray and drink plenty of water throughout the day in order to effectively combat dry mouth.
Regular visits to your dentist and hygienist are also your first line of defense against cavities. If it’s time for your next preventive visit, please contact your dentist today to schedule your appointment.
About Brookside Dental Care
For over 25 years, Dr. Bryan Griffith has been taking great care of patients. He focuses on providing patients with anxiety-free dentistry, focused on their unique needs. Patients in Prestonsburg, KY appreciate the personalized attention they receive when they choose Brookside Dental Care as their dental home.
If you would like to contact Dr. Griffith, he can be reached through his website or by calling 606-874-9311.