Tooth decay affects many people around the world and is one of the major causes of tooth loss globally. And even if you haven’t had cavities in years (or ever), you are still prone to them, especially as you age.
At One Smile Oral Care, we offer preventive and restorative dentistry, aiming to help our patients prevent and treat cavities and gum disease. Even if you take dental hygiene seriously, chances are that you will develop cavities at some point in your life. Luckily, our dentist in Kings Hill can help you treat them before it’s too late.
Dry mouth
If you are smoking, drinking too much alcohol or take certain medications, chances are that your mouth is constantly dry. In order for food remains to be removed from our teeth properly, we need saliva and people with dry mouth cannot produce the correct amount of saliva. Salivary insufficiency can cause tooth decay, since food remains are likely to stick around on your tooth enamel for longer. Good oral hygiene can reduce this problem considerably. However, dry mouth can impair your quality of life and should be treated by our dentist in Kings Hill if possible.
Nutritional shortages
The quantity and quality of our saliva also depend on the foods we eat. Minerals such as calcium found in certain foods are transferred to our teeth through saliva, therefore any food deficiencies can seriously impair our oral health and encourage the formation of cavities.
Teeth whitening
Everybody loves white and sparkling teeth, but some people are obsessed with teeth whitening and this can prove detrimental to their oral health. Excessive teeth whitening can eventually cause the destruction of the enamel, leading to the creation of cavities and the exposure of the dentin. Teeth whitening should be performed under moderation and always under the supervision of our experienced dentist in Kings Hill.
Reduced fluoride intake
Another element that may contribute to the sudden appearance of cavities is a reduced intake of fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that is important for the health of our teeth. Studies have shown that people who didn’t receive the recommended amount of fluoride, were more prone to cavities and tooth decay.