What makes my mouth vulnerable to tooth decay? Find out from Tacoma dentists

What makes my mouth vulnerable to tooth decay? Find out from Tacoma dentists

 

If you think you are suffering from cavities more often than other people, you may be right. Tacoma dentists know certain lifestyle habits and other factors can make your teeth more likely to fall victim to tooth decay, including:

  • Eating sugar – While sugar doesn’t directly cause cavities, it does cause bacteria in your mouth to produce acids. These acids then eat into the enamel on your teeth, creating cavities. If you do have a sweet tooth, rinse your mouth with water after you eat something sugary to help reduce the sugars around your teeth.
  • Eating or drinking acidic substances – Similarly, the acids in citrus juices, sodas, lemons and alcohol eat away your enamel to create cavities. Other than reducing your intake of acids, you can rinse your mouth after eating or drinking an acidic food or beverage.
  • An insufficient dental routine – With our busy lifestyles, cleaning your teeth properly can easily be pushed aside due to other distractions. Using the right toothbrush, brushing twice a day, flossing regularly and cleaning with mouthwash all help to remove plaque, acids and buildup that cause cavities.
  • Genetics – Your genes do play a role in being more vulnerable to tooth decay as well as periodontal disease. This is because your genes determine how thick and strong your enamel is, as well as the oral flora present. If you have thinner enamel, you need to be more aware of following a good dental hygiene routine as well as eating with your oral health in mind in order to reduce your risk of cavities. Your dentist can also help by offering you various solutions designed to further protect and strengthen your enamel.
  • Medication – Some medications and medical treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can affect saliva production as well as your tooth enamel, making you more vulnerable to cavities. Your dentist will be able to recommend oral health strategies to help combat this.

To book an appointment with the oral health team at Distinctive Dentistry or to find out more about what may be causing your cavities, please contact us today.

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Address

5615 Valley Ave. E., Tacoma, WA 98424

Phone

(253) 922-6822

Hours

Monday - Thursday
7am - 4pm

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