Never had a problem with your oral health before but suddenly had an influx of cavities? You are not alone! Take a look at this list of reasons why this may be happening for you.
It’s always very important to treat cavities with a
filling as soon as they appear, to avoid the damage becoming more severe. This is why we always recommend having a dental check-up every six months. However, it can be just as important to determine the cause of the cavities to prevent them in the future.
Check for any changes in your routine
Changes in your day-to-day routine may be the reason for the sudden influx of dental problems. Whether you’ve switched careers, have been staying out late at night meeting friends or have started taking health supplements, whatever the changes your oral health could be affected.
These changes could reveal an increased intake of sugary foods, a dry mouth from exercise or reduced compliance to your dental care routine from getting home too late. This doesn’t mean you have to revert to your previous routine. There are always things you can do to reduce the impact on your oral health. Carefully look at the ingredients list of any supplements you are now taking, remember to drink more water if you are exercising more, consider taking your coffee without sugar or set an alarm to remind yourself to brush your teeth before bed.
Medication can be high in sugar which increases the risk of decay
Have you been trying to kick that pesky flu? A persistent cough or a sore throat may have you reaching for cough mixtures or lollies, but unfortunately, these can be extremely high in sugar. This can be particularly troublesome with constant sucking on these cough drops as they continuously coat your teeth in the sugary syrup. If you’ve been sick lately, consider your treatment methods as they may be causing you more harm than good!
Sickness can also increase the number of harmful bacteria residing in the mouth. Bacteria play a key role in the development of decay, so it’s important to pay close attention to your hygiene routine and replace your toothbrush after sickness.
Ageing affects teeth
Age causes a range of changes in the entire body from the appearance of skin through to the functionality of bones and joints. Teeth are no exception. As we age, muscles in the face and mouth relax which cause shifting of the position of teeth. Crooked or crowded teeth are harder to clean because small bits of food and bacteria can get caught in hard to reach places which can be missed even if you are brushing and flossing as recommended.
Receding gums can also be a common problem for older patients, especially those who suffered from gum disease earlier in life. Receding gums expose tooth structure without enamel which is, therefore, unprotected against forming cavities.
Why the extra cavities?
If you need help identifying the cause of your increase in cavities, feel free to make a consultation with Dr Steven Mok. We can assess your mouth and discuss your current circumstances in order to give you advice on the possible cause.
Contact G Dental today for more information or to book your consultation.