Why Do I Get So Many Dental Cavities?

10 / 01 / 2018

Why Do I Get So Many Dental Cavities?

Our Ipswich Dentist Explores Why Some People May Be More Susceptible To Tooth Decay Than Others

It is likely that most of us will have at least one or two minor fillings during our lifetime, however well we look after our teeth.

The most likely cause of fillings is dental decay and here at The Lighthouse Dental Practice in Ipswich, as with many other dentists, this is perhaps the most regular procedure we undertake. Why though do some people seem to be more prone than others to this problem?

Oral Health Care

The most obvious difference is in the diet and cleaning regimen of each individual. It is well established that sugars are a leading cause of cavities and, therefore, anyone who eats a lot of sugar will probably be at a greater risk of decay than someone who follows a low, or no, sugar diet.
The same applies to how well we clean our teeth. Even the addition of flossing to our daily regimen will put us at an advantage over someone who does not clean between their teeth very well. These are factors within our control; but can we ever have full control over whether we get cavities or not? The answer is probably no, and, below, we look at a few reasons for this.

Deeper crevices

The crevices in our teeth are like fingerprints and will be different from person to person. Some people’s crevices go much deeper than others and this allows bacteria and sugars to settle deep down in these areas where it is almost impossible to clean. Over time, this will almost certainly cause the tooth to start to decay.

Saliva flow

Some of us produce more saliva than others. Some factors such as our age, illnesses and the side effects of some medication may contribute to this. As saliva is used to flush away harmful bacteria from our mouths, helping to keep them under control, anyone who does not produce much saliva will not be able to do this as well, putting their teeth at potentially greater risk.

Enamel thickness

Although probably very minimal, the thickness of the enamel on our teeth will vary from person to person. This protective layer needs to remain healthy in order to protect the more vulnerable inner part of the tooth.

All of the above, unless as a side effect of medication, etc., are largely genetic and beyond our control. What is important though is to make sure that you are seen regularly by our Ipswich family dentist so that any small areas of decay can be treated promptly before the problem becomes more significant. This need not be the end of attractive teeth though, as we now are able to fill most cavities with tooth coloured cosmetic fillings in order to maintain your appearance.

To make sure that your mouth is healthy and that your teeth are in good condition, book an appointment at The Lighthouse Dental Practice by calling us today on 01473 257 379.

We are here to help you.
If you would like to speak to a member of our friendly team about any of the issues in this article please visit our contact page or call us on 01473 257379.