Many
patients wonder why they get cavities when they don’t eat sweets or candies,
and they brush and floss 2 times a day. Although techniques of brushing and
flossing may contribute to new cavities, that is not only reason why
cavities occur.
Genetics
Some
people are just more prone for cavities than others. Just like there is
no identical person in the world, there is no identical tooth either. Some people
have stronger teeth that are more dense and less prone for cavities, like some people
who have higher bone density and less prone for osteoporosis. Therefore, rule
of brushing and flossing two times a day should not apply to everyone. Some may
need more oral hygiene protocols and others may need less.
people are just more prone for cavities than others. Just like there is
no identical person in the world, there is no identical tooth either. Some people
have stronger teeth that are more dense and less prone for cavities, like some people
who have higher bone density and less prone for osteoporosis. Therefore, rule
of brushing and flossing two times a day should not apply to everyone. Some may
need more oral hygiene protocols and others may need less.
Everybody eats sugar
Most foods
that we eat cause cavities. Although one may not eat
highly concentrated sugars such as candies or sodas, everyone eats carbohydrate
which is chains of sugars. Carbohydrates are contained in rice, bread,
potatoes, fruits, and even vegetables. Average person’s diet consists of 45-65%
carbohydrates. This does not mean one should cut down on their carbohydrate
intake to prevent cavities because carbohydrate is one of most important
nutrient that fuels our body. It is important to realize that candies and sodas
are not only foods that cause cavities.
that we eat cause cavities. Although one may not eat
highly concentrated sugars such as candies or sodas, everyone eats carbohydrate
which is chains of sugars. Carbohydrates are contained in rice, bread,
potatoes, fruits, and even vegetables. Average person’s diet consists of 45-65%
carbohydrates. This does not mean one should cut down on their carbohydrate
intake to prevent cavities because carbohydrate is one of most important
nutrient that fuels our body. It is important to realize that candies and sodas
are not only foods that cause cavities.
Wear and tear
Jaw
muscles are one of most active muscles of the body. An average person usually chews minimum 10,000 times per
day. That causes a lot of wear and tear for our teeth. As we chew, teeth may develop
fractures and gaps. Such spaces allow bacteria and food to get trapped in the
tooth and cause a cavity that may lead to more serious problems later.
muscles are one of most active muscles of the body. An average person usually chews minimum 10,000 times per
day. That causes a lot of wear and tear for our teeth. As we chew, teeth may develop
fractures and gaps. Such spaces allow bacteria and food to get trapped in the
tooth and cause a cavity that may lead to more serious problems later.
Regular Dentist Visits
Regular dentist visit is a key to prevent
cavities. This will prevent excessive accumulation of
plaque and calculus (tartar) around teeth. Preventing excessive growth of
bacteria that cause cavities and gum infection is important. Untreated,
cavities and gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Visiting a dentist regularly
can help prevent oral disease and catch problems early, when they are easier to
treat.
cavities. This will prevent excessive accumulation of
plaque and calculus (tartar) around teeth. Preventing excessive growth of
bacteria that cause cavities and gum infection is important. Untreated,
cavities and gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Visiting a dentist regularly
can help prevent oral disease and catch problems early, when they are easier to
treat.
Eugene Cho, DMD
