You Might Be More Prone to Cavities
Caring for your teeth with daily brushing and flossing while avoiding sugary foods might seem like a surefire way to prevent cavities. However, some still experience tooth decay despite these efforts. Meanwhile, others with less diligent dental habits seem to escape with little to no decay. What exactly is going on?
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is caused by certain oral bacteria. These bacteria create areas of decay that can progress to the inner structure of the tooth—dentin and pulp—leading to bacterial infections. Once this happens, professional dental treatment is necessary to remove the infection, halt the decay, and seal the tooth.
Several conditions or risk factors can promote this decay process. It’s important not to be too hard on yourself if you find yourself more at risk than others. While many factors can be managed, some are beyond our control.
Understanding Tooth Decay Risk Factors
Oral Bacteria
Cavities begin with bacteria accumulating on tooth surfaces in a sticky film called plaque. These bacteria feed on sugars and starches from our diet, producing acids in the process. These acids break down the protective layer of tooth enamel, allowing bacteria to infiltrate and infect the tooth. The composition of your oral microbiome may mean you have more or less of the bacteria that cause dental caries. Some strains are more aggressive than others.
Dental Hygiene
Proper brushing and flossing dislodge bacterial plaque and trapped food particles. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are essential to remove plaque that has hardened into tartar.
Diet
Reducing your intake of sugary foods and starches limits fuel for cavity-causing bacteria. Additionally, frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks can erode enamel, giving saliva less opportunity to restore the mouth to its normal pH level.
Dry Mouth
Saliva helps neutralize acids and rebuild tooth enamel with its mineral content. Without a healthy flow, the defense against decay is compromised. Certain medications, chemotherapy, and some diseases can cause dry mouth. Drinking plenty of water and using enamel-strengthening mouth rinses can help mitigate these effects.
Tooth Shape
Tooth decay is more likely to develop in back teeth, such as molars and premolars, due to the deep grooves on their biting surfaces that trap food and bacteria. The depth of these grooves is determined by genetics.
Gum Recession
Receding gums expose the tooth root, which is not protected by enamel, making it more vulnerable to decay.
Additional Factors
Conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and frequent vomiting can create highly acidic environments in the mouth. Appliances such as retainers and braces can limit saliva flow over the teeth, promoting plaque buildup, and fixed devices can make effective brushing and flossing challenging.
Tooth decay is a multifaceted issue influenced by a variety of factors. Understanding these risk factors helps in managing them more effectively, ensuring that you can take proactive steps towards better oral health.
For more information, or to schedule a consultation, contact us at (503) 614-0198 or visit our website at Eastwind Dental Care Blog. We’re located at 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124.
East Wind Dental Care
Dental Implant placement in Hillsboro, Oregon, and Beaverton Oregon
family dentistry in Hillsboro
https://eastwinddentalcare.com
amily and Cosmetics Dentistry in Hillsboro, Oregon.
East Wind Dental Care Family and cosmetics dentistry in Hillsboro Oregon. We at East Wind Dental Care are committed to providing quality dental care to families located in the Hillsboro and Beaverton area and treat patients of all ages. We provide comprehensive solutions for our patients' oral health needs. Believing in the importance of listening to our patients, we take the time to truly understand each person's needs, goals, and lifestyle. By understanding our patients' objectives we can provide solutions that will improve their health while transforming their smile into something bright and beautiful. East Wind Dental Care at Hillsboro, Oregon provides a wide variety of dental services and procedures to address all of our patients' dental health needs. By combining quality patient care with up-to-date technology, we are able to treat patients of all ages in a comfortable and relaxing setting. Our website includes information on the following items: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening, Dental Veneers, Dentures, Dental Crowns and more. Our Dentist and expert staff are trained to not only treat patients but to identify what caused the health concern in the first place. This comprehensive approach sets patients of East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro on the road to recovery and long term oral health. When you walk into the office of East Wind Dental Care you will be immediately greeted by our friendly staff who are dedicated to making sure that you feel comfortable during your entire appointment. We understand that patients can feel anxious when going to the dentist, and our staff will take the time to listen to all of your concerns and help you understand exactly what your procedure is going to be like. At East Wind Dental Care we pride ourselves on being an affordable family dentist that accepts a variety of insurance plans and payment options like cash and credit cards, because we want to provide a beautiful, healthy smile to everyone in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area. Call East Wind Dental Care today at 503-614-0198 to see why we are the dentist of choice in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area.
Address: 7546 NE Shaleen St Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA
Phone: 503-614-0198 Call us today!
Website: https://www.eastwinddentalcare.com
Dentist in Hillsboro, OR - East Wind Dental Care provides general dentistry in Hillsboro. Make your next family dentist appointment at East Wind Dental Care. General Dentistry, Preventative Dentistry, Pediatric (Kids!) Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Tooth Replacement. Crowns and Bridges, Dental Implants & Mini Dental Implants Dentures (with specialty), Complete denture, Partial Dentures.
East Wind Dental Care
Family and cosmetics dentistry in Hillsboro Oregon.
We at East Wind Dental Care are committed to providing quality dental care to families located in the Hillsboro and Beaverton area and treat patients of all ages. We provide comprehensive solutions for our patients' oral health needs. Believing in the importance of listening to our patients, we take the time to truly understand each person's needs, goals, and lifestyle. By understanding our patients' objectives we can provide solutions that will improve their health while transforming their smile into something bright and beautiful.
East Wind Dental Care at Hillsboro, Oregon provides a wide variety of dental services and procedures to address all of our patients' dental health needs. By combining quality patient care with up-to-date technology, we are able to treat patients of all ages in a comfortable and relaxing setting. Our website includes information on the following items: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening, Dental Veneers, Dentures, Dental Crowns and more. Our Dentist and expert staff are trained to not only treat patients but to identify what caused the health concern in the first place. This comprehensive approach sets patients of East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro on the road to recovery and long term oral health.
When you walk into the office of East Wind Dental Care you will be immediately greeted by our friendly staff who are dedicated to making sure that you feel comfortable during your entire appointment. We understand that patients can feel anxious when going to the dentist, and our staff will take the time to listen to all of your concerns and help you understand exactly what your procedure is going to be like. At East Wind Dental Care we pride ourselves on being an affordable family dentist that accepts a variety of insurance plans and payment options like cash and credit cards, because we want to provide a beautiful, healthy smile to everyone in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area. Call East Wind Dental Care today at 503-614-0198 to see why we are the dentist of choice in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area.
East Wind Dental Care
Address: 7546 NE Shaleen St Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA
Phone: 503-614-0198 Call us today!
Opening Hours Mon - Fri: 8:00 - 17:00 and Saturdays with appointments.
Website: https://eastwinddentalcare.com/
Make an appointment online at https://eastwinddentalcare.com/contact-3/
