Are Some People More Prone to Cavities?

While the foods you eat fuel your body, sugar in these foods also fuel bad bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria accumulate and produce acidic byproducts when they eat. The acids can erode and weaken areas of your enamel. If weakened enamel is not remineralized, it will become permanently damaged in the form of a hole, called a cavity.

Do Genetics Play a Role in Cavities?

Inconsistent oral hygiene, tobacco use, and a poor diet increase your risk of developing cavities. Genetics can also make you more prone to cavities. For example, some patients have a higher risk of cavities because they are born with a thinner layer of enamel. Other people have deeper grooves and crevices in the chewing surfaces of their teeth that food debris and bacteria can get trapped in.

Warning Signs of Tooth Decay

Reach out to your dentist right away to schedule an appointment if you’re currently experiencing any of these warning signs of decay:

• Black or brown spots on your teeth
• Visible holes in your teeth
• Pain when biting down
• Severe toothache
• Tooth sensitivity to pressure and extreme temperatures
• Consistently bad taste in your mouth

Treatment for Cavities

Early-stage tooth decay can often be remineralized if you improve your oral hygiene, drink more water, and consume a balanced diet. However, enamel that does not remineralize will need professional dental treatment. Your dentist will remove the damaged tooth area and place a tooth-colored filling in the space left behind. A filling will help strengthen the tooth while looking natural. If the decay is accompanied by infection inside the tooth pulp, you may first need root canal therapy to preserve your tooth’s structure.

Cavity Prevention Tips

While some patients may have a higher risk of developing cavities due to genetics, there are steps that everyone can take to help prevent cavities from occurring:

• Consume a balanced diet that contains essential vitamins and minerals
• Limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks
• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time
• Floss every day
• Rinse your mouth with water or an alcohol-free mouthwash after eating
• Drink plenty of water to prevent dry mouth
• Visit our team twice a year for a cleaning and exam

Schedule Your Next Checkup!

Are you overdue for your biannual dental checkup? Please contact us to schedule your appointment at Wagner & Langston Family Dentistry in Jonesboro, AR.

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Categorized in: Oral Health, Oral Hygiene, Preventive Dental Care