Why Do I Have So Many Cavities? I Take Care of My Teeth!
We have Got the Facts
Which sounds more like you: the person who prays for a cavity-free mouth before every appointment with the dentist, or the one who’s never even had a single filling?
Chances are, if you sound more like the former despite your oral health efforts, there are actually several other factors that may be contributing to your luck (or lack thereof).
Other reasons for a susceptibility to tooth decay include:
- Mouth bacteria
Some people have a higher count of decay-causing bacteria in their mouths, or have less fluoride ions to protect their teeth. In these people, it may be a little more challenging to keep the teeth decay-free. - A bad diet
Despite how well you may be looking after your teeth with brushing and flossing, if you’re regularly snacking on foods high in sugar or drinking colas or juices, you’re putting your teeth in harm’s way. The more exposures your teeth have to sugars, the more your tooth enamel will be attacked by acid (ultimately leading to cavities). A healthy diet low in processed or sugary foods and composed of plenty of nutritious, fresh produce is excellent for your smile – and for the rest of you, too! - Shape of tooth/teeth
It’s true! It’s definitely typical for a patient to have very deep grooves (pits and fissures) in their molar(s) which can make it quite difficult, if not impossible to effectively clean the whole area with a tooth brush. Luckily, dental sealants are an available treatment that can seal off these debris-trapping areas to prevent cavities… and our Toronto dentist offers this! - Health conditions
There are certain health conditions or medications that lead to dry mouth, which creates an environment in the mouth that is perfect for destructive bacteria to thrive. Smoking is also a big culprit of dry mouth, so if you smoke, striving to quit ASAP will benefit your oral health in more ways than one.
Never Stop the Fight!
Even though certain decay-causing factors are out of our control, we can still work diligently to prevent cavities by brushing at least two times daily for two minutes, as well as flossing at least once, and seeing the dentist and hygienist regularly. In addition to good hygiene practices, making necessary changes to our diet and lifestyle/habits will further help to push us onto the right path to great dental health.
Our downtown Toronto dentist would be happy to help you fight decay for life. Give us a call today or make an appointment online!