Some of our patients complain that we always find a cavity during their check-ups even though they practice regular at-home dental care. Therefore, they often ask why some people get lots of cavities, especially if they are conscientious about their dental health?
Why Some People Have a Tendency Toward Dental Decay
While poor oral hygiene and neglect does indeed lead to cavities, people can still get decay if they regularly brush and floss their teeth. When this happens, the reason may be due to an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, or may result from the aging process or genetics. Some people have thicker enamel on their teeth, which makes them more immune to getting a cavity. If we believe you are more susceptible to decay, we may suggest that you see us every 3 to 4 months instead of visiting us every 6 months for an exam and cleaning. We may also include regular fluoride treatments in your care when you see us for an exam and cleaning.
Other Reasons for Increased Levels of Decay
While some people are just born with an increased susceptibility to cavities, some people have crowding issues or crooked teeth. When you have this type of dental problem, you may find it more difficult to keep food and bacteria out of the nooks and crannies with a toothbrush and floss. In these cases, we may recommend that you seek orthodontic treatment in the form of Invisalign. In some cases, people have a lower incidence of decay because they have smoother teeth. People who tend to get more cavities have teeth that have more crevices and pits on the eating surface, which attract more decay-causing bacteria. Still other people get cavities more frequently because of the medicines they may be taking. Some medications will cause dry mouth, which causes an increased incidence of decay. You need the saliva in your mouth to control the bad bacteria that demineralizes the teeth.
If you always seem to be getting a filling, we can help you reduce your incidence of decay. We may need to schedule you for a cleaning and exam more often or include fluoride treatments as part of your regular dental care. Give us a call today to schedule an exam, cleaning, and consultation."
Location
1739 NE 122nd Ave Portland, OR 97230-1914
Hours
Mondays & Tuesdays: 7 AM - 3 PM Wednesdays & Thursdays: 8 AM - 5 PM Fridays: Closed
Hunter Dental Care, 1739 NE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97230-1914 ^ (503) 256-3737 ^ hunterdentalcare.com ^ 9/15/2024 ^ Related Terms: dentist Portland OR ^
Some of our patients complain that we always find a cavity during their check-ups even though they practice regular at-home dental care. Therefore, they often ask why some people get lots of cavities, especially if they are conscientious about their dental health?