Important Things You Need to Know About Cavities
Cavities, also known as caries, are prevalent in children. According to the Center for Disease Control, cavities are one of the most common chronic health conditions in children. There is no doubt that cavities are a big issue, and can be harmful to adults too. If left untreated, cavities can destroy your teeth, resulting in abscesses and infections that can cause a lot of pain.
People generally believe either they, or their children, get cavities because they either eat too many sweets, don’t brush or floss as often as they should, or their teeth are genetically “too soft.” However, many factors can cause cavities:
- Oral hygiene: You have probably heard your dentist talk about good oral hygiene and its importance in preventing cavities.
- Diet: Most people are also aware of diet as a contributing factor to cavities. There is a lot to unpack here, but you can read my blog post about whether your fizzy drink is harming your teeth here.
- Bacterial load: The amount of bacteria in a person’s mouth is a big contributor to cavities. This is the least talked about major cause, so we will expand below.
What Is Bacterial Load?
Your bacterial load is the amount of cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth. The higher your bacterial load, the higher your risk for cavities.
You can lower this bacterial load with:
■ Good brushing and flossing
■ Antibacterial mouth rinses
■ Toothpastes with antibacterial properties
These habits help—but there’s another important piece: how much bacteria you were exposed to early in life.
Where Does the Bacteria Come From?
We aren’t born with cavity-causing bacteria. We get them from others—usually parents or caregivers. Common ways bacteria are transferred include:
■ Sharing spoons
■ Cleaning a pacifier with your mouth
■ Kissing babies on the lips
Research shows that children infected with higher amounts of cavity-causing bacteria in their first two years are more likely to carry high bacterial loads for life.
Our doctors at Shemen Dental recommend preventive dentistry for patients of all ages, to help them maintain healthy smiles throughout their lives, and to monitor for cavities and decay before they reach advanced stages. Many patients only visit the dentist after the onset of these conditions or during dental emergencies that require more expensive treatment than a general preventive exam. Six-month checkups with your dentist can help you maintain a healthy smile at every age and can lower the risk of requiring costly invasive treatment. Whether you are new to the Amarillo area or simply need to establish ongoing care with a dentist, we are here to help your entire family experience the many benefits of outstanding oral health.
