Torbram dental weighs in on Dear doctor magazines’ article on reasons an individual may be more prone to cavities. Torbram Dental shares, “oral bacteria can be managed and maintained. It truly comes down to how you treat and practice oral hygiene. Routine dental cleaning should not be ignored, dismissed, or put off until there is time in your schedule. Routine dental cleanings should be made a priority. Think of it as a dental check-up. It is an effective preventative practice. The check-up or dental cleaning allows your dentist to remove any plaque build-up thoroughly, recommend oral hygiene care, and diagnose or catch any issues early on.” (Source: Dentistry & You, sourced by Dear Doctor Magazine, July 25, 2016, https://www.deardoctor.com/dentistry/blog/you-might-be-more-prone-to-cavities).
We have all been advised by our parents at least once in our childhood to go easy on the candies. It is a proven fact that consuming too much sugary food can lead to cavities. But what exactly are cavities, and why are they so random? By definition, a cavity is a damaged area or a hole in a tooth. According to Torbram Dental, its primary cause is often bacteria that permeate into the living part of the tooth. In doing so, it erodes the enamel and results in a painful infection. In order to prevent its progress, medical treatment is necessary. In most cases, the progress of the bacteria causing the cavity is stopped, and the tooth is sealed. However, some individuals have a higher probability of developing tooth cavities.
Reasons why some run the risk of tooth cavity more than others
There are several reasons behind running the risk of tooth cavities. Here are some of them as listed by Torbram Dental:
1: Tooth Shape
The formation of a cavity totally depends upon the formation of plaque in your mouth. Primarily, this plaque affects the back teeth, which harbor spaces where food can get stuck. In these places, plaque can thrive and lead to cavities. Thus, to avoid this, it’s best that you brush your teeth thoroughly. Today, you can even buy electric toothbrushes that are much more effective than your regular toothbrushes.
2: Diet
Apart from external care, you also have to watch your diet. Eating a lot of sugary foods can lead to cavities. Moreover, if one doesn’t eat enough roughage or drink ample water, the problem of cavities can be exacerbated. Torbram Dental emphasizes that one should try to consume food items that are objectively healthy and can be easily washed away by water or saliva.
3: Dental Hygiene
Tooth cavity can also result from a lack of dental hygiene. Dental hygiene is not limited to just brushing your teeth. According to Torbram Dental, you have to floss and ensure that you go for a dental cleaning at least once in three months.
4: Fluoride deficiency
Fluoride is essential for the well-being of your teeth. It prevents cavities and keeps your teeth in tip-top shape. Fluoride can be found in drinking water (tap water) and in almost every dental product on the market. If your dentist advises you to increase your intake of fluoride, you can buy a fluoride-rich toothpaste or mouthwash.
5: Dry Mouth
Cavities form when food gets stuck in our teeth and contributes to plaque. If your mouth constantly stays dry, it means that you will have a hard time washing away bits and pieces of food stuck in your teeth. Thus, to avoid this, you have to keep yourself hydrated. If the problem of dry mouth persists, make sure that you visit a doctor. A dry mouth may be an indication of an underlying medical condition.
Precautionary Care
Prevention is always better than cure. To prevent cavities, you should maintain a healthy lifestyle. As mentioned by Torbram Dental, this includes cutting down on sugar and consuming a balanced diet. It is also recommended to maintain your regular dental visit for routine teeth cleanings and keep an eye on your hydration and daily water intake.