I Brush and Floss... Why Am I So Prone to Cavities?!
Here's What You Should Know

Let’s face it: some patients are luckier than others. Some tend to experience cavity after cavity, filling after filling, crossing their fingers before each dental visit in hopes of being in the clear for once! On the other hand, some have never experienced a single incidence of decay in their life. (Well, not yet at least)! Which patient are you?

If you’ve had your fair share of cavities despite looking after your teeth every day, there are several reasons as to why this may be the case for you and not for your co-worker or friend with the perfect smile.

Here are some other factors known to contribute to decay:

1. Poor diet
   Regardless of how diligent you are with your oral care routine, if you’re constantly snacking on sugary sweets or sipping on cola or juice, you’re probably doing a lot of harm to your teeth. The more frequently you expose your mouth to sugars, the more frequently your tooth enamel will experience acid attacks (which eventually leads to cavities). A balanced diet rich in fresh, nutritious foods with limited processed or sweet foods is best for your smile, and your body.
2. Oral bacteria
   Some people have a higher concentration of cavity-causing bacteria in their mouths, so it may take even more work to create a dental-friendly environment and avoid cavities.
3. Tooth shape
   Yes, you read that correctly! It’s common for a patient to have very deep pits and fissures (grooves) in their molar teeth which can be challenging, if not impossible to thoroughly clean with a tooth brush. Dental sealants can be a great option to seal off these susceptible areas and prevent decay.
4. Medical conditions
   Certain medical conditions or medications contribute to dry mouth, which creates an oral environment for harmful bacteria to thrive and attack the teeth. Smoking is also a big contributor, so aiming to quit as soon as possible is the smartest thing you can do if you’re no stranger to lighting up.

Cavity prevention is a lifelong journey!

Even though some of these cavity-contributing factors are beyond our control, we can still work hard to prevent tooth decay by brushing at least twice a day for two minutes, and flossing at least once. And by making proper changes to our diet and quitting any unhealthy habits, we’ll be on the right track to great oral health! (Oh, and don’t forget to visit the dentist and hygienist regularly for a check-up and cleaning – your oral health depends on it!). Our dentist Dr. Sunny Jung would be happy to help you on your cavity-preventing journey! Call us today.

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