Every patient is vulnerable to tooth decay, but not in the same way or for the same reasons. In today’s post, we’d like to talk about some of those different risk factors so that you can be more proactive in how you think about your oral health. By carefully considering these aspects and maintaining regular home care and checkups, our team at Bonness Family Dentistry can help you enjoy better oral health and wellbeing. If you have any questions about them, we hope you’ll call our Camby dental office. We’d love to talk to you about your smile.
A history of cavities increases your chance of getting new cavities
Decay weakens the smile’s protective layer of enamel. That means that if you’ve had decay in the past, there’s an increased chance of your smile developing more cavities in the future. Regular appointments will help Dr. Ann Bonness and Dr. Richard Bonness monitor your smile for changes so that any sign of decay can be treated early, before it has time to develop into something more serious.
Poor nutrition or eating disorders
If you’re not eating right, or if you have an eating disorder that involves self-induced vomiting, you’re not doing your smile, or your overall health, any favors. Foods high in sugar increase the amount of bacteria in the mouth, while the acid from vomit will wear down your tooth enamel. To avoid damaging your oral health, follow a balanced diet composed of nutritious foods, and seek help if you’re struggling with an eating disorder.
Did your family emphasize good oral hygiene, or was it pushed to the background? Patients who didn’t grow up brushing and flossing regularly will find that they’re more vulnerable to things like cavities and gum disease. But that’s not the only way your family history can impact your oral health. For some, an increased vulnerability to decay is hereditary.
Among the different purposes of saliva, there are two to consider here. The first is that saliva helps you flush bacteria out of your mouth. Bacteria is one of the causes of decay, meaning that when there’s less bacteria in the mouth, there’s less of a chance of developing cavities. The other thing that bacteria do is neutralize acid, which also damages tooth enamel. If you struggle with dry mouth, drink water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist. Xylitol gums and mints can also help.
Do you have any questions about the risk factors we’ve mentioned? Call Bonness Family Dentistry today to reserve an appointment with Dr. Ann Bonness or Dr. Richard Bonness. Our Camby dental office serves patients from Mooresville, Plainfield, Indianapolis, Monrovia, Martinsville, and beyond.