Tooth decay is one of the most common dental issues, affecting patients of all ages. If left unaddressed, it can lead to significant discomfort and long-term oral health complications. But it can be hard to address this decay if you aren’t sure why you’re experiencing it. Understanding the cause of your decay is the first step in achieving a brighter, healthier smile.
In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the most common causes of tooth decay to ensure you can make necessary changes and adjustments to protect your smile down the road.
1. High Sugar Diet
One of the leading causes of tooth decay is linked directly to your everyday diet. You’ve probably heard your dentist mention that you should limit sugar intake, and for good reason. Sugar is an excellent nutrient source for the bacteria in your mouth. While you don’t need to cut out sugar entirely, you should remember to rinse your mouth and brush your teeth 30 minutes after consuming sugary treats if you want to wash away this harmful decay-causing bacteria.
2. Poor Oral Hygiene
The American Dental Association has pretty strict standards for your oral hygiene routine. You should gently brush your teeth two to three times daily with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes. You should also floss one to two times daily to remove any tough bacteria, food particles, and plaque. If you don’t follow this routine, it can be difficult to properly clean your teeth, leaving you at a higher risk of developing tooth decay over time.
3. Genetics
Unfortunately for some dental patients, tooth decay seems inescapable no matter how closely they follow a strict oral hygiene routine. A 2016 study suggested that about 60% of decay was caused by genetic factors. This can be incredibly frustrating for patients who are trying to avoid oral health problems, but it does give them the incentive to schedule their regular dental cleanings. With these cleanings and exams, you should be able to keep decay at bay.
4. Inadequate Fluoride Use
Fluoride plays an essential role in protecting your teeth from potential decay. This mineral, found in drinking water, foods, and oral hygiene products, helps to remineralize your teeth. It can help dental patients avoid costly and uncomfortable dental appointments when used in the earliest stages of tooth decay. However, if you use oral hygiene products without fluoride, you may find your teeth beginning to decay more rapidly, even if your routine remains the same.
5. Acid Reflux
Dental patients experiencing frequent acid reflux may be at a higher risk of developing tooth decay. Your stomach acid can impact the pH levels in your mouth. When the pH level in your mouth drops below 5.5, your mouth becomes too acidic for your enamel. Your stomach acid, with a pH between 1.5 and 3.5, may dissolve your enamel, leaving you at risk of developing cavities. If you’re struggling with acid reflux, it is essential that you treat it to reduce your risk.
6. Dry Mouth
Your saliva plays an important role in rinsing your mouth of excess bacteria. However, this bacteria can quickly build up if you are dealing with dry mouth, also referred to as xerostomia. Food particles may linger in your mouth without this bacteria, leaving you at risk of plaque and tartar development. Tartar can increase your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems, making it essential to address dry mouth symptoms as soon as possible.
7. Bruxism
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can lead to the premature wearing of your enamel. As your enamel wears down, it can expose your teeth and their roots to the bacteria in your mouth, increasing your chance of developing tooth decay. If you want to protect your teeth from additional, more significant, and costly damage, it is best to speak to your dentist about whether a night guard is a reliable option to treat your bruxism.
8. Nail Biting
You’ve probably heard that you shouldn’t use your teeth as tools for most of your life, and this includes using them to trim your nails. As you bite your nails, this repeated action can wear down your enamel. As the enamel wears away and the dentin beneath is exposed, you may notice your teeth deteriorating more rapidly than they once did. To keep your teeth safe from this damage, it is best to kick the habit before it leads to permanent oral health problems.
9. Tobacco Use
Regular tobacco use can lead to decreased saliva production, increased plaque and tartar formation, and a more acidic mouth, each of which we’ve already discussed. Whether you smoke infrequently throughout the day or have been consuming tobacco products for years, this ingredient is incredibly detrimental to your oral health. No matter how frequently you use these products, it is essential that you discontinue use before they cause avoidable tooth decay.
10. Age
As you get older, you may notice changes in your oral health. Whether this means you’re dealing with dry mouth, receding gums, or worn enamel from years of use, these changes can increase your risk of developing tooth decay. While some of these changes are unavoidable, it is essential that you attend regular dental cleanings if you want to keep yourself safe and protect yourself against potential decay.
Protecting Your Smile from Tooth Decay
No matter why you’re dealing with tooth decay, our Hendersonville Family Dental team is here to help you achieve your best oral health. We can identify the cause of your decay, treat it, and help you develop a routine that protects your smile from additional damage. If you’re dealing with decay and need the support of an expert dental team to help you boost your oral health, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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