Did you know that there are people who don’t brush their teeth but still don’t get cavities? Other brush and floss their teeth regularly, but still find themselves fighting tooth decay. Sadly, some people are more vulnerable to cavities than others are, but did you know that you could be more vulnerable to tooth decay because of genetics?
For example, did you know that crowded teeth could leave you more vulnerable to cavities? The way your teeth erupt can be caused by genetics. Crowded teeth could also make it very difficult for you to clean your mouth well. Sadly, if you can’t keep your teeth as clean as you could, you’ll be more at risk for decay.
Your genetics can also influence how hard, or how soft, your teeth are. As you may have guessed, the harder your enamel is, the more protected your teeth are. Unfortunately, if your enamel is too soft, there may not be anything you can do to address the issue. In other words, if you suffer from soft enamel, you’ll be more likely to get a cavity.
Finally, if you have a sweet tooth, you could be more vulnerable to cavities. However, would you be surprised to learn that sugar doesn’t actually damage your teeth? Instead, it creates an environment where bad bacteria can grow—leaving you even more vulnerable to cavities. You might also be able to protect your teeth by brushing and flossing after you eat—though we recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before you brush. Otherwise, you could hurt your pearly whites.
If you’re interested in learning more about cavities, or about how you can treat them, please don’t hesitate to contact Covington Dental Partners at 770-786-9339. Dr. Sterling Whitworth and our team will be happy to answer any questions you have. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
