When people go to the dentist and learn they have cavities, they tend to wonder what they did wrong. While following good oral hygiene habits can help reduce the likelihood of needing fillings, some people are more prone to getting cavities than others. In their more than 28 years of treating patients, Gladstein Dental Center in New Britain, CT, has found a few similarities between individuals who frequently have cavities. Read on to learn a few factors they’ve found may make you vulnerable to tooth decay.

You May Be More Prone to Cavities for These 3 Reasons

1. Eating a Lot of Sugar

Plaque forms when sugar ferments. When people eat a lot of sugar and drink sweet beverages like soda, their teeth tend to decay more quickly, as sugar-loving bacteria eats through protective tool enamel.

2. Oral Bacteria

Each person’s oral bacteria is unique to their diet and genetics. Some people, unfortunately, are naturally born with more bacteria in their mouths. This bacteria can further decay and cause cavity development more frequently in people with different oral bacteria. A dentist can help you discover if your oral bacteria makeup leaves you more susceptible to cavities.

3. Receding Gums

Your gums protect the parts of your teeth below the normal gum line that are more sensitive. It’s much easier for cavities to grow where there are no gums protecting the tooth enamel. Gum disease and trauma can both cause receding gums that make teeth more vulnerable to tooth decay. 

By brushing your teeth two to three times a day and flossing, you can reduce your chances of experiencing cavities. Talk with a dentist about your unique risk-factors for tooth decay so you can prevent issues before they start. To schedule an appointment with Gladstein Dental Center, call (860) 223-1162. Visit the website for information on their cosmetic and general dentistry like root canals, dental implants, teeth whitening, and veneers.