Hello dear friends, myself Dr.Deepa. I have been dentistry since last 8years and in my daily practice I usually come across patients having this one question, "why do I have cavities even though I maintain strict oral hygiene by brushing twice daily flossing regularly and also using mouthwash regularly, and my friend who is too lazy when it comes to brushing still he has no cavities?" 

Since our childhood, we are taught how to brush our teeth properly and how it can save us a visit to the dentist. But is this really true? Yes it is but not 100%

Maintaining oral hygiene does help us to reduce the chance of tooth decay but improper oral hygeine is not the only factor leading to it, infact it not even has a major part.

So who are the main culprits?

First, let us remember this triangle is the simplest description of the process called Caries (dental decay)

1.Bacteria in the mouth act on > (2) Sugars in our diet > Producing (3) Acids that lead to TOOTH DECAY

Scientists have thus come down to 2 major factors behind tooth decay which are:

1. GENES 


Studies have proven that 60% of the risk of dental decay is genetical, as it governs these 4 areas leading to cavities

  • MINERALISATION OF TEETH: the stronger the teeth more resistant are they to acid attack
  • TASTE PREFERENCE: Sweets the major culprit are preferred differently by all and also the greater the variety of flavours one can taste the less are the chances of getting a tooth decay
  • SALIVA: components in saliva like calcium phosphorus strengthen the teeth against acids
  • MICROBIOME: our immune response to the normal bacterial colonies present in our mouth is also a risk factor for cavities 

2. DIET 


 

SUGARS: The decay-causing bacteria thrive on sugars that they get from our diet

ACIDS: Acidic environment created through soft drinks, etc. also is favourable for decay

FLUORIDES: present in water and various toothpaste strengthen teeth against cavities

CONCLUSION

So to sum it up,  these 3 things should be followed to help us against dental cavities,

* CUT DOWN SUGARS AND ACIDIC DIET

* MAINTAIN STRICT ORAL HYGIENE DRINK LOTS OF WATER

* ADD CONTROLLED LEVELS OF MINERALS LIKE FLUORIDE

P.S. Doing all this will again only help reduce chances of cavities as it proven that major factor is our DNA which is not under our control.


 

THANK YOU so much for reading this article, if you liked it please hit the thumbs up and if you have any questions related to dentistry please mention them in the comments.