Why do I Keep Getting Cavities?

This may be the time of the year you go for a dental checkup. It feels great knowing your teeth have been cleaned. Nobody likes to hear that they have cavities. Do you always have cavities even after following all recommendations to keep your teeth clean? You’re not alone. You may also know some people who rarely follow a healthy oral routine but never get cavities. According to dentists, every mouth is different. Therefore, the best way to reduce the risk of cavities also varies from one person to another. Statistics have shown that tooth decay affects up to 97% of the global population.

Why Are Some People More Cavity-Prone?

Even if you brush and floss, you may still get cavities. This can be caused by several factors. Cavities are formed when acid in the mouth eats away the teeth structure. The acid is produced by oral bacteria, which are found in most people’s mouths.

Some experts believe the bacteria are transmitted from mother to child. However, there is little evidence to support this claim. The amount of bacteria in the mouth varies from one person to another. More bacteria make individuals prone to cavities.

Saliva has multiple uses in the mouth, including keeping the mouth moist and facilitating digestion. Some properties of saliva can counteract the acid and prevent the formation of cavities. Some people’s saliva has better properties for preventing cavities.

Like many health issues, genetics affects oral health, including cavities. For example, some individuals have weaker tooth structure and tooth anatomy, increasing the risk of cavity formation. Another common reason why some people are more cavity-prone is the amount of sugar in their diet. High sugar content increases the risk of cavities.

How Can You Reduce the Risk?

Irrespective of your age, brushing the teeth is an effective way of ensuring good oral hygiene. If you are uncertain about the best way to brush your teeth, go for routine dental checkups. A dentist will recommend better brushing habits. Flossing is also often recommended to prevent cavities. Regular dental checkups will enable you to learn whether your flossing routine is working well. You need to understand your family’s oral health history as it will help you to determine the ideal measures for you to take.

Finally, you may be aware that some people are more prone to cavities than others. Fortunately, you can take the measures above to reduce the risk of experiencing the problem.