Are You at Risk of Cavities?

Did you know that by the age of 8, over 52% of children will have cavities? Between the ages of 20-62, 92% of adults in America will have at least one cavity on their permanent teeth. Cavities (dental caries) are caused by demineralization of the tooth enamel which leads to tooth decay. Some people are more at risk of cavities, but this risk can be minimized with a good oral health plan.

What Causes Cavities?

Some common risk factors of cavities that you can take control of include the following:

Oral Bacteria

There are over 6 billion bacteria in your mouth but most of these bacteria help to keep your teeth strong and maintain the pH level in your mouth. Harmful bacteria (pathogens) live off fermentable carbohydrates left by food particles on the teeth. As these cavity-causing bacteria break down carbohydrates, they create an acid environment that gradually wears down the tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities.

Frequent Snacking

Since harmful bacteria live off fermentable carbohydrates, a healthy diet is beneficial to maintain your oral health and overall well-being. This doesn’t just include sugar. Carbs from pasta, crackers, potatoes, and rice can all ferment in the mouth and lead to cavities. Additionally, carbohydrate-rich foods are not rich in nutrients so people will often snack frequently to satiate their hunger. Every time you put food in your mouth, it changes the pH for 20 minutes. Constant snacking puts your mouth in a constant acidic state and your teeth do not have equal time to remineralize.

Saliva

Thin saliva carries all of the remineralization properties for our teeth. This includes calcium, phosphates, and ions. Thick saliva or lack of saliva can significantly increase your risk of cavities because it is not able to penetrate the biofilm (plaque) and wash away bacteria and fermentable carbohydrates on the teeth. Saliva also helps to wash away food particles that can get stuck between the teeth. Thick saliva cannot get into these nooks and crannies, and this will create the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria. As plaque builds up, the mouth becomes increasingly acidic because bacteria are left to breed. Drinking water and eating healthy foods will help you produce thin saliva that effectively washes away bad bacteria and maintains a neutral pH balance.

Tooth Shape

Some people are naturally born with deep grooves in their teeth or teeth that sit crookedly or close together. Food can easily get stuck in these deep grooves and crevices. It is also harder to floss in between crooked or close-set teeth, which are common among children whose teeth are erupting (breaking through the gum line) and eventually developing into adult teeth. Tools like the TePE Compact Tuft toothbrush or the Burst water flosser can help you get into those nooks and crannies to eliminate food particles and harmful bacteria.

Receding Gums

Abfraction is the loss of tissue around the gum line caused by jaw clenching, tooth misalignment, and harsh brushing. Misaligned teeth and jaw clenching put pressure on the teeth and when you put so many pounds per square inch, the weakest link breaks. In this case, it’s usually the gum line. Abfractions can lead to gum recession, which leaves the soft dentin close to the roots exposed. It’s much easier for cavities to develop on this softer tooth material than on the protective enamel shell. The teeth can wear down over time and this can start during childhood or at any age.

Genetics

Genetic variations like immune response, sugar metabolism, and enamel strength aren’t unavoidable but another factor to consider is family habits. Children learn by watching their parents and if their parents have poor dental habits and/or a bad diet, it’s likely that those children will also have poor habits. Cavities are also contagious. Although children are not born with cavity-causing bacteria, they can be passed down by pregnant women or transmitted by close family members. The contingency of strep mutans that cause cavities is only second to the common cold. These bacteria can be transmitted from blowing on hot food, kissing babies on the mouth, or sharing food and silverware.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

You can prevent early tooth decay by using the right techniques with the right tools and products. Think of oral health maintenance as a routine. Different brushes will reach different areas of the teeth, rinsing after you eat flushes away food particles, and using the right toothpaste can keep your teeth strong and microbiome healthy. It's also helpful to identify tooth decay early on and schedule an appointment if you notice dark spots, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, or visible holes in the teeth.

Carrie Ibbetson is a dental hygienist dedicated to helping people improve their oral hygiene with easy-to-use tools and at-home strategies. Sign up for our Oral Health Coaching course today to access courses with more tips and recommendations for proper oral health care. We also invite you to join our Facebook Community to get connected with like-minded individuals hoping to improve oral health for themselves and their families.