Sometimes, it seems like there are people who, no matter what they eat or do, just don’t suffer from cavities, leaving the rest of us to wonder why we can’t be so lucky. After all, constantly seeking treatment for dental cavities in Cooper City can be exhausting. Here is the main reason why people don’t get cavities: it’s in their DNA. Keep reading to find out what we mean.
Bacteria
Dental caries, or bacteria, affect 97% of humans, and these are what cause cavities. By creating an acidic environment in your mouth, bacteria erode tooth enamel. Everyone has saliva as a natural defense against these bacteria; however, some people have enough nutrients in their saliva to remineralize the teeth enough to stop cavities in their tracks.
Morphology
Everyone has differently shaped teeth. All teeth have natural ridges and grooves in different areas. The more ridges and grooves, the more likely it is that bacteria can find their way into these small crevices and create cavities. The smoother your teeth naturally are, the less likely you are to be visiting a dentist near you for cavity treatment.
Saliva
As mentioned earlier, everyone’s saliva is composed of different amounts of minerals such as phosphate and calcium. These minerals, along with fluoride and water, work to protect our tooth enamel from bacteria. Some people have more minerals in their saliva than others, giving them an upper hand in fighting cavities.
Preventing Cavities
While we can’t all belong to this lucky group of people with cavity-fighting superpowers, there are many things we can all do to reduce our chances of getting cavities, such as:
#1 Oral Hygiene
Everyone knows that brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining a healthy smile. It would be best to brush your teeth every morning and evening and floss at least once a day, ideally before bed. On top of this, you need to visit a dentist in Cooper City at least once every six months for a professional dental cleaning and checkup.
#2 Diet
Cavities are caused when the bacteria in your mouth break down sugar and create an acidic environment, breaking down tooth enamel and leading to decay. Following this logic, lowering the amount of sugar in your diet will dramatically reduce your risk of tooth decay and cavities. When you do drink very sugary beverages, such as soda, spend some time rinsing your mouth afterward to reduce the damage to your teeth.
#3 Get Dental Sealants
Remember those deep grooves and crevices in your teeth that we mentioned earlier? Dental sealants are used to address this problem. A dentist can paint these thin, plastic coverings over your back molars, which create a smooth cleaning surface and effectively seal out harmful bacteria and food particles. Dental sealants have been proven to drastically reduce your risk of cavities, and the procedure for getting them is simple and quick.
Visit Cooper City Family Dental
Now that you know about the reasons for cavities and how you can prevent them, hopefully, you won’t be seeking dental cavities treatment near you any time soon. However, if you find yourself in need of dental fillings, please do not hesitate to contact our Cooper City Family Dental team. We are happy to provide you with the comprehensive dental care that you need to maintain a strong and healthy smile for a lifetime.