Tooth decay occurs when dental plaque combines with food particles to form damaging acids. But have you ever wondered why you get cavities when you visit the dentist while your friend seems impervious to tooth decay? Below, Ronald W. Ristow, DDS, the experienced and talented dentist serving families throughout Oconto County, WI, explains why some people are more susceptible to cavities than others.

Understanding Why People Are Prone to Tooth Decay

Genetics

Some people have teeth with deep crevices, and these spaces allow bacteria to collect and flourish. Proper dental care combined with a healthy lifestyle and routine professional teeth cleanings are the best defenses against this genetic condition.

Starch & Sugar Intake

Excessive intake of sugary and starchy foods makes anyone more vulnerable to tooth decay, whether they are genetically predisposed or not. The body turns starch into sugar, so a diet high in both sugar and starch provides plaque with the food it needs to create cavities. Sugar-heavy diets are especially harmful to the teeth if you do not drink plenty of water to flush food particles from your mouth.

Poor-Quality Fillings & Crowns

Low-quality crowns and fillings can feature tiny gaps for plaque and food particles to collect. Your toothbrush and floss cannot reach these areas, resulting in tooth decay. Braces can also increase tooth decay risk because food particles become trapped under wires and other metal components. Dentists and orthodontists frequently recommend special brushing and flossing practices for patients with braces for this reason. 

Acidic Food & Beverage Intake

Acidic foods and beverages wear down tooth enamel to eventually expose dentin, an inner tooth layer vulnerable to plaque. If you consume a diet high in acidic foods and beverages, it is important to wait about 20 minutes before brushing to avoid working the acid into your teeth. You must also drink a lot of water to keep the mouth as acid-free as possible.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, whether from certain medications, medical conditions, or simply not drinking enough water, causes the mouth to produce less saliva. Saliva contains calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate which neutralize plaque-causing acids and repair early indications of decay. Lack of saliva may also be due to genetics, which again makes drinking water a dental care essential.

Ronald W. Ristow, DDS, in Oconto Falls provides the dental care treatments and advice you need to prevent tooth decay. Schedule your next appointment with the dentist who offers over 15 years of experience in addition to quality oral care. Call (920) 846-3163 to make your appointment today or visit the website for more information. Follow the dentist on Twitter for more dental tips.