Do you do your best to stick to a good oral hygiene routine, but you still seem to end up with cavities? That can be frustrating and puzzling. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the reasons why you may be at a higher risk of dental decay than others. We’ll also talk about what you can do to protect your precious smile.
Genetics
Genetics can have a bearing on oral health in a few ways:
- Enamel hardness and thickness. Some people naturally have thinner, weaker tooth enamel that is more prone to decay. Using fluoridated oral health products may help to strengthen your teeth.
- Tooth shape. If you have deep grooves in your teeth, food can easily get trapped there and lead to cavities. Dental sealants might be a solution to this problem.
- Oral bacteria. Countless types of bacteria inhabit the human mouth, and a number of them aggressively interact with sugar, thus leading to cavities. Some types of microbes in the mouth are hereditary.
Diet
While you cannot control your genes, you can control your diet — and diet is often a major factor in cavity development. Foods that contain high amounts of sugar are especially bad for the teeth. Acidic foods and beverages, such as soda and some fruit juices, can weaken the tooth enamel and make it susceptible to damage. When you indulge in items that you know are bad for your teeth, be sure to rinse your mouth with water soon after you finish consuming them.
Dry Mouth
Saliva is one of your mouth’s main defenses against cavities. It rinses away harmful food particles and bacteria, and it contains traces of minerals that help to fortify teeth. When you do not have an adequate saliva supply, cavities may result.
If you struggle with dry mouth, you may be able to correct the problem by:
- Drinking more water
- Cutting back on sugary and salty foods
- Talking to your doctor about adjusting any medications that have dry mouth as a side effect
- Addressing allergies that cause you to breathe through your mouth
Gum Recession
When the gums recede, they expose the roots of your teeth, which have no enamel to protect them from decay. Gum recession may be the result of aging, but it can also occur due to gum disease or overaggressive oral hygiene. If you notice that your gums seem to be shrinking, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible for a checkup.
Even if you are naturally more prone to cavities than others, that doesn’t mean your teeth are doomed. Taking a few measures to protect your teeth, and regularly visiting your dentist, can do much to safeguard your smile and preserve it for the rest of your life.
About the Author
Dr. Bryan Griffith is a graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry and one of only a few dentists in the state of Kentucky who is qualified to offer oral conscious sedation. He provides a broad range of services, including preventive and restorative care. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Griffith and how he may be able to help you achieve and/or maintain your oral health, contact our office at 606-874-9311.