Some people develop many cavities, while others do not develop cavities for many years and have a low likelihood of developing a cavity. What is the pattern behind tooth decay? Are there habits beyond brushing and flossing your teeth that influence your risk of experiencing tooth decay?
The presence of a cavity typically follows an identifiable pattern that is linked to one or more of the following: age, habits, health changes, dietary influences, and drugs (prescription or not). The sooner you identify factors that increase your risk of developing a cavity, the easier it is to protect your teeth. If the following factors describe you or a family member, a cavity might be in your future.
Individual Cavity Risk
First, we should provide a definition: cavity risk is the likelihood that an individual will experience tooth decay. It is primarily based on what happens in the mouth, but also on external factors. When a dentist is assessing cavity risk, they are not simply looking at your tooth enamel. They also consider the following:
- Your history of cavities
- How frequently you eat or consume sugar-rich items
- Amount of plaque and tartar buildup (with your oral biome playing a large role)
- Presence of dry mouth
- Depth of gum recession
- Amount of fluoride use
- Daily habits regarding brushing/flossing
- Patient medical condition(s) and medication(s)
- Regularity of dental appointments
An example of someone with a low cavity risk is a patient with no history of cavities, excellent home oral care, and regular, semi-annual oral cleanings. An example of someone with high risk is a patient who consumes large daily amounts of sugar-containing foods/drinks, suffers from dry mouth, has noticeable plaque and tartar, with a history of tooth decay.
How Age Changes Your Risk
Age is a factor in determining your cavity risk level more than most people realize.
Children and Teens Cavity Risk
Younger patients often face cavity risk from consuming lots of sugary snacks, sports drinks, and juice. They tend to brush inconsistently and floss rarely. Braces raise the risk of cavities, because they create hard-to-clean places for oral bacteria to collect.
Young Adult Cavity Risk
At this stage of life, young adults tend to become busier and often neglect oral hygiene. They eat late, snack often, consume to much sweetened coffee and energy beverages, live with heightened stress, and visit the dentist infrequently. This creates a favorable environment for tooth decay.
Adult Cavity Risk
For many adults, cavity risk comes down to their everyday habits and regular dental care. Busy routines, dry mouth caused by prescription medications, frequent sipping of sweetened drinks throughout the day, and dental work that needs regular checkups to stay clean are factors that increase the chance of decay. Older fillings are also at risk of failure due to wear over time.
Older Adult Cavity Risk
As we age, gum recession is common. This exposes unprotected root surfaces, advancing the risk of root decay. Many older adults also deal with dry mouth from their medications. The components of saliva naturally mediate the repair of tooth enamel in a way that plain water cannot. This affects enamel that is already worn down from years of use.
How Cavity Risk Differs in Women and Men
Cavity risk is also at times dependent on whether you are male or female. Here’s why:
Cavity Risk for Women and Girls
Hormonal changes affect a woman’s body, but they affect the mouth more than many people realize. Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause tend to change saliva flow, gum health, food cravings, and tooth and gum sensitivity. Pregnancy, in particular, often makes routine brushing harder for some women due to nausea or changes in appetite. Plaque builds up without oral care, and cavity risk increases when a person experiences discomfort in their mouth.
Cavity Risk for Men and Boys
In many cases, males’ higher risks are due to habits, rather than biological factors. Men are more likely to skip dental visits, use more tobacco, drink more acidic beverages, and wait until pain presents itself before seeking dental treatment. All of these tendencies elevate the risk of developing cavities and more serious forms of dental decay.
In a future article, we will present a risk assessment for cavities based on information from the American Dental Association. Using this assessment, you can self-examine your habits and those of your family members. Awareness of the risks is the first step towards defending your oral health! Contact us at Lakeside Dental in Folsom for more information.
