Written By Anita Ginsburg / Reviewed By Ray Spotts
If you are diligent in brushing your teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash every day, it can be frustrating when the dentist tells you that some cavities need to be filled. It is hard to accept, especially since you may know others who do not take good care of their teeth yet have no major problem.
Unfortunately, some people are more prone to cavities than others, and you may be one of those people. Here are some reasons you might be prone to developing cavities.
Sugary Foods
You might have a particularly strong sweet tooth, but that doesn’t mean that your teeth like the sweets you enjoy. A diet with too much of the sweet stuff is just asking for cavities. Candy, soda, white carbohydrates, and juice drinks erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Drink lots of water and opt for healthier snacks including fruits and veggies. Avoid sugar-filled syrups and creamers if you are a coffee drinker. Try to brush and floss your teeth after any sugary treats.
Dry Mouth
The saliva in your mouth is essential to breaking down and washing away food debris or particles that are left in your mouth after eating. If you have a dry mouth, you won’t produce enough saliva to sanitize your mouth, and bacteria could start to grow with plaque. Any plaque that forms in your mouth won't be neutralized from the saliva, making your teeth more susceptible to cavities.
Solutions to dry mouth include drinking more water, rinsing with an enamel-protecting mouthwash, and visiting your dentist for professional support.
Tooth and Mouth Shape
Every person has teeth that come in many different shapes and sizes. But there’s even more variation than that. Everyone has slight variations in tooth and mouth shape, and while this allows for a wide range of beautiful smiles, some shapes are harder to clean than others.
Teeth that have deep pits or grooves that will accumulate more food particles or sugar. If your teeth overlap in places or are pressed tightly together, it will be difficult to clean between them, even with diligent brushing and flossing.
Lack of Routine Maintenance
Preventative dental care can help you overcome these problems. Your dentist can complete a thorough examination and will help highlight areas where your teeth might be having problems or might develop them later. They can help you figure out why your diligent dental hygiene isn’t doing quite enough and will make recommendations to help you overcome these difficulties.
They can also keep and eye on any small cavities that have formed and help prevent them from getting worse. Think twice before you skip on your next appointment. Regular checkups should happen at least twice a year. Dentists may recommend more frequent visits if you have underlying conditions that lead to the development of more cavities.
Unfortunately, some people are blessed with better oral genetics than others. You may have to work a little harder at keeping your mouth in check, but don't let that stop you from taking care of yourself. With some proactive strategies and professional guidance, you can keep your smile looking beautiful.
Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list.
Written By:
Anita Ginsburg is a freelance writer from Denver, Colo. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about health, business, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn't writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.
Reviewed By:
Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.