If you find that you’ve had more cavities in your life than your friends or family members, there are good reasons for it. The truth is, even those who strictly follow a proper daily dental hygiene routine can be more prone to cavities than others.
Here are a few reasons that some have more cavities more than others – do any of them apply to you?
Lack of Dental Hygiene: The first place to investigate is your daily oral hygiene routine. If you’re not brushing at least twice daily for two minutes each, and flossing at least once daily, it means that sugars and bacteria stay longer in the mouth and have a better chance of causing cavities and other problems. The solution is simply to improve your daily regimen and stick to it.
Higher Instances of Oral Bacteria: Every single person has their own unique microbiome in their mouth. This means that the bacteria and acids in your mouth are different than everyone else’s. Because of that, your specific microbiome may mean that you’re more susceptible to cavities than others.
Improper Diet: Diet has a much bigger affect on oral health than most people think. Of course, sugary foods are known to cause cavities – but acidic foods and drinks erode the tooth’s enamel, which makes them more prone to cavities and other oral health issues.
Dry Mouth: Saliva is important when it comes to oral health. Not only does it help to rinse away food debris, it also helps to neutralize acids that cause damage. There are many different causes of dry mouth – medications, chemotherapy, dehydration, etc. If you find that your mouth is often dry, be sure to drink lots of water throughout the day, and even rinsing with mouthwash can help.
Deep Tooth Grooves: Some people have very deep grooves on their back teeth, making it easier for food and bacteria to collect and cause cavities. While proper brushing is helpful, another option is to have sealants applied by your dentist. These create a smooth tooth surface and act as a barrier.
If you’re finding that you tend to get more cavities than most, it’s always a good idea to speak to your dentist. Our team at Southeast Dental in Markham are happy to answer your questions, and can inspect your teeth to find out why during your next cleaning. Give us a call at 905-471-2002, or book online