Dental caries or cavities are among the most common problems that people experience regardless of their age. Regular dental hygiene will indeed help one reduce the frequency of developing cavities, but somehow, some people are just more vulnerable. Cavities are very common in dental health, but what causes some people to develop more cavities compared to others? This article will investigate the issue to understand the causes of cavities and identify the factors that increase the risk of a person developing them.

The Basics of Cavities

It is important first to define what cavities are before discussing the factors that lead to the formation of cavities on the tooth’s surface. Cavities are formed as a result of tooth decay, which is a process that starts with the bacteria in the mouth producing acids that dissolve the hard outer layer of teeth known as enamel, thereby forming holes or pits. This process starts with forming dental plaque, a soft film of bacteria that continuously forms on teeth. Sugars and starchy foods, for instance, cause bacteria in the dental plaque to produce acids that erode enamel and create cavities.

Factors Contributing to Cavities

1. Oral Hygiene Habits

One of the leading causes of cavities is reduced oral hygiene. Proper brushing and flossing should be carried out daily, as improper brushing and flossing leave food particles on the teeth, which attract bacteria. People who have irregular dental hygiene practices are more susceptible to dental caries.

2. Dietary Choices

Dietary habits are highly influential when it comes to oral health and well-being. Drinking pop, sweets, and other foods and drinks with high sugar and acid content can cause a lot of harm, and this may lead to the formation of cavities. Biscuits, candies, cakes, sports and energy drinks, and even some fruit juices are the foods that cause acid to be produced in the mouth, which eventually weakens the enamel.

Reducing the consumption of sweets and following a proper diet by including more vitamin-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables and fiber-containing foods such as whole grains will also minimize the chances of the cavity.

3. Saliva Production

Saliva can help protect the teeth against cavities. It assists in rinsing food particles from the mouth and counteracts acids generated by bacteria. Certain illnesses, medications, or simply a lack of water intake cause people to have little to no saliva in their mouths, which means they are prone to tooth decay. It is essential to always take enough water and also treat any known conditions that may lead to a problem with saliva.

4. Tooth Anatomy

The formation or shape of the teeth also plays a role in determining the level of risk-standardized cavities. With grooves and pits that extend deep into the tooth surface, the chances of harboring food debris and bacteria are high, resulting in the formation of cavities. For those whose teeth are at a higher risk due to their anatomy, sealants, which are protective coatings applied on the grinding surfaces of molars, may prevent it.

5. Genetics

There are reports that genetics can also pave the way for being susceptible to lots of cavities. Certain individuals are born with enamel that is more susceptible to wear and tear, or individuals may have a gene that produces less saliva naturally. Knowledge of one’s susceptibility towards certain genes can be utilized in a way that ensures preventive steps against cavity susceptibility.

6. Frequency of Dental Visits

Dental checkups may be recommended frequently for healthy teeth and smooth gums to avoid the formation of cavities. Thus, during such visits, the dentist can recognize signs of the demineralization process, apply therapeutic agents, including fluoride, to strengthen the enamel, and offer recommendations on how to observe a proper daily hygiene regime. People who do not attend dental sessions regularly may be left out of these measures and thus have a high rate of cavities.

7. Habits and Lifestyle Choices

Some of the lifestyle habits like smoking cigarettes and taking too much alcohol also affect the teeth to cause cavities. First, smoking hampers the secretion of saliva and the body’s ability to get rid of plaque, whereas second, alcohol weakens the tooth enamel and decreases saliva production. It is suggested that people should refrain from these unhealthy habits to reduce the risk of getting cavities.

Conclusion

Although everyone needs to be cautious about cavities, some people are more vulnerable to them than others for various reasons. A lack of dental care, improper diets, low saliva secretion, tooth development, heredity, infrequent dental checkups, and other unhealthy practices cause cavities. Awareness of the causes of cavities and preventing these factors from developing can greatly reduce the chance of having a cavity and preserve the teeth.

If you have queries regarding the likelihood of developing cavities or wish to obtain individualized consultation, do not wait to speak with your dental practitioner. They could give guidance based on the specific needs one has and advice on how to keep oral health in check.