We all know someone who loves candy and rarely brushes, yet they never seem to develop cavities. Meanwhile, there are those of us who are more prone to frequent cavities, even though we brush and floss regularly. You may even find yourself wondering, “Why do I get cavities so easily!? What gives?”
At Hancock and Johnston Dentistry in Lubbock, our annual screenings look at your overall mouth health and can help detect issues before they even start, including cavities.
Cavities are the most infectious disease in humans, affecting 97 percent of the population. But there is no catch-all, simple explanation for why they occur in some people more than others. They tend to be caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, diet choices, medical conditions and hygiene.
Genetics
You may be surprised to find out that about 60 percent of tooth decay risk is due to genetics.
The American Dental Association has identified certain genes that are associated with cavities, including those defining enamel formation and tooth mineralization, immune response, salivary characteristics, and taste profiles. (see Table 1) The ADA believes that in the future cavities may be better managed by studying a patient’s unique genetic risk profile.
Tooth formation is a big factor — if your teeth have deep grooves that make them susceptible to trapping cavity-causing biofilms, it’s more difficult for you to remove the biofilms by brushing (especially in the molars). Additionally, genes can cause crowded teeth, which you may also have more difficulty flossing effectively. And some DNA simply creates teeth that absorb fluoride better than others to create a shield against bacteria. If these problems sound familiar to you, ask your dentist about sealants that can help protect your teeth.
Your immune response is also dictated by genes via the bacterial flora in your mouth. Not all biofilms are created equal, however. Mutans streptococci has been identified as being a primary culprit in cavity formation because it changes the acidity level in your mouth.
Genes can also dictate the effectiveness of your saliva in keeping cavities at bay. The ideal saliva creates an environment for healthy bacteria, keeps your teeth cavity-resistant with calcium, potassium and other minerals, and neutralizes your mouth’s pH levels.
Lastly, genes can code for taste profiles — aka the sweet preference. This is why some people have a “sweet tooth” while others do not. The stronger your generic preference for sweets, the more likely you are to develop cavities caused by consuming sugar.
Diet
Another factor that can contribute to cavities is diet. Consuming sugary and/or acidic foods and beverages provides bacteria in the mouth with the energy they need to produce acid. This acid can then erode the enamel of the teeth.
Foods that cling to your teeth — milk, ice cream, honey, sugar, dried fruit, cake, cookies, hard candy and mints, dry cereal, and chips — are some of the worst as far as causing cavities. But by far, the biggest offenders are sugary drinks such as soda and juice, which are easily spread to every crevice of your mouth.
Frequency also plays a part. Snacking often without brushing can cause mouth acids to wear down your teeth. If you can’t brush, chewing sugar-free gum after eating can help clear sugar by stimulating saliva flow.
Medical Conditions
There are also some medical conditions and medications that can increase the risk of cavities. For example, people with dry mouth (xerostomia) may produce less saliva to neutralize acid in the mouth. Certain medications, such as those used to treat allergies, depression, and high blood pressure, can cause dry mouth as a side effect. Medical conditions like diabetes and treatments like radiation and chemotherapy can also cause dry mouth.
Heartburn can lead to cavities, too. The stomach acid flowing to your mouth can wear away your tooth enamel and leave your teeth exposed to bacterial attack. Tooth erosion can also occur with eating disorders such as bulimia.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Lastly, forgetting to brush and floss your teeth on a routine basis can lead to bacteria buildup in your mouth, eroding the enamel and leading to cavities. If you’re not making regular dentist visits, you may miss early signs of cavities.
You also need to get enough fluoride — whether through the water supply or via toothpaste and mouthwash.
Bottled water doesn’t count. Brushing with water only doesn’t help. You need the fluoride to protect your enamel.
How to Prevent Cavities If You Get Them Easily
So, what can you do if you’re someone who seems to get cavities easily?
Here are a few tips:
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste after eating or drinking
- Floss or use an interdental cleaner to clean between your teeth, daily.
- Rinse your mouth with fluoride mouthwash
- Limit sodas and juices
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables to increase saliva flow
- Consume unsweetened coffee, tea and sugar-free gum to wash away food particles
- Avoid frequent snacking
- Visit the dentist regularly
- Ask your dentist about sealants, fluoride treatments and antibacterial mouth rinses
A Final Word
While some of us may be more prone to cavities than others, there are things we can do to reduce our risk. By visiting the dentist regularly, we can help keep our teeth healthy and cavity-free.
Here at Hancock and Johnston Dentistry, we like to take a preventative approach to protecting your teeth and informing you of possible problems. Our conscientious practice and attention to individual dental issues are why we are the best-reviewed dental practice in Lubbock. Contact us for a checkup today!