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Dental Decay and What Causes It
- Updated: November 21, 2014
Q: What factors increase your risk for dental decay?
ANSWERED by DR. GRAYSON SELLERS
Dr. Grayson Sellers
Before answering your question, I like to remind all my patients that you don’t have to be a kid to get cavities. In fact, the average adult develops about 1 cavity per year. Factors that increase your risk for dental decay are:
1-Dietary: Better eating habits means better checkups. Avoid frequent snacks & sweetened drinks that expose teeth to damaging acids produced by oral bacteria. Note: sugars & starches are most harmful. Popular choices that contain sugar include: specialty coffees, sodas and juices, & breath mints. Beware of “hidden” sugars and starches found in many “health” items such as Calcium Supplements & Vitamin C Chewables, Antacids, Cough Remedies, Protein Bars/Drinks, Weight Loss Bars/Drinks, & Canned Nutritional Supplements.
2-Tobacco Use: Using tobacco products, especially sweet chewing tobacco, challenges your immune system & increases oral problems. Also, tobacco products can damage gums & teeth & lead to gum recession. Another significant effect of tobacco products is that it may lead to oral cancer.
3-Dental Factors: Your past or current dental conditions can mean a greater risk for cavities. Here are some examples: Gum Recession, Orthodontic Appliance, Dry Mouth, (Saliva is essential for cleansing the teeth & neutralizing acids produced by oral bacteria) Oral Hygiene, & Acidic Mouth (frequent vomiting).
4-Medical Factors: Certain medications & conditions can increase your risk of tooth decay. Prescription & over-the-counter meds that lead to dry mouth include those used to treat: High blood pressure, Allergies, Depression/Anxiety, Cancer, & Digestive disorders.
Patients of all ages benefit from fluoride treatments. Adults are especially prone to rapidly developing root cavities. Professionally applied fluoride treatments are recommended for both adults & children & can reduce cavities by 30%. Even as an adult, there are some things you never outgrow… like cavities.
