Why Am I Getting so Many Cavities?

One of the most frustrating aspects of dental hygiene is the way in which someone who strives to take great care of his or her teeth can suddenly experience a series of cavities. Perhaps you’ve struggled with this odd occurrence yourself. If so, then you – like many others before you – have probably asked yourself one maddening question: why am I getting so many cavities? Fortunately, Dr. Karen Kang, a cosmetic dentist in Midtown West can help to provide the answer to that mystery.

The process of cavity formation is fairly straightforward. The bacteria in your mouth metabolize sugars when you eat. As a byproduct of that metabolizing process, acid remains and works to soften the hard layers of enamel that cover the outside of your teeth. Once that layer is softened, it is vulnerable to saliva’s dissolving powers. The saliva dissolves the remaining enamel, and forms a hole which can then erode even further and lead to damage in the living pulp tissue that lies at the center of each tooth.

Lifestyle factors play a huge role in determining the health of your teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and care by dental professionals can help to minimize the effects bacteria can have in your mouth. In addition, diet is important. Sweets are of particular concern when they are not promptly brushed and flossed away after they are consumed.

But it is also true that you can do everything right and still experience cavities. That, of course, is where this can become truly frustrating. The good news is that this too can be explained, since there are factors other than diet, oral hygiene, and dental maintenance that can explain frequent cavity problems.

One such factor is heredity. It is just a fact of life that some people have a natural propensity for weaker teeth. However, heredity can usually be overcome by patients who are diligent about other aspects of their own oral hygiene. In many instances, hereditary susceptibility to dental complications simply causes patients to develop poor oral care habits.

One issue that is tougher to resolve is the issue of medications and medical conditions. There are many medications and some medical problems that can lead to dry mouth and other side effects that can increase tooth decay and even gum disease. High blood pressure medications are one of the most obvious examples.

The most obvious reason for this is also the simplest: even if you do not eat sugary foods, the fact is that much of what you eat gets turned into sugars! Those sugars are then metabolized by the mouth’s bacteria. So, again, if you’re eating healthily and still experiencing cavities, take a second look at your oral hygiene regiment.

The bottom line is simple. Apart from medications and medical conditions, most other causes for cavities come back to the same issue: oral hygiene. But don’t be dismayed! A simple trip to Ebenezer Dental in Midtown West can provide you with a wealth of information about this issue, and the guidance you need to ensure that your oral health regimen lives up to its potential.