#Cavities#Why Am I Getting Them Now?
by Dr. Stephen J. Parr D.D.S.
Read #Cavities#Why Am I Getting Them Now? by Dr. Stephen J. Parr D.D.S. to learn more about Grove Smiles® Dentistry and our Dentistry office in Coconut Grove, FL.
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I am so glad you clicked on this article on your search for “Why am I getting more cavities now?”
If you have been getting cavities all of a sudden, let’s explore the possible reasons why to prevent more from forming. Of course, the treatment of getting them filled should be step one; but step two should be finding out why you’re getting cavities all of a sudden so that you don’t get more.
Why Am I Getting More Cavities Now As An Adult?
If you are someone who did not get many cavities before and now starts getting cavities all of a sudden, it is almost always something environmental that has changed that is causing the sudden increase in the number of cavities that you may be getting. What is this “something” different? Has something changed in either your lifestyle or your diet?
Below are all the most common reasons that make people get cavities all of a sudden. Check the list and let me know if it helps you find out what’s causing your cavities.
Why Am I Getting Cavities All of a Sudden?
Change in Daily Routine: If you weren’t getting cavities before and now you are, it’s highly likely that something in your life has changed that’s causing the sudden onset. Consider lifestyle factors like diet, stress, starting school or a new job, and new habits.
Stress: Stress isn’t just in your head; it has an effect on the entire body. It increases the immune response and inflammation throughout the body. Stress can also give you dry mouth or make you crave the wrong foods which affect us all differently, but a common side effect you could be experiencing is dry mouth. When your mouth is dry, there is an absence of saliva, which helps neutralize the acids in your mouth that cause tooth decay and cavities. If you are experiencing dry mouth or an increase in inflammation make sure you drink more water throughout the day.
New Exercise Routine: If you’ve started jogging or working out, you may also be getting dry mouth. Follow instructions for adding more water to your daily intake.
A New Diet: Another reason for unforeseen cavities may be a change in diet. Are you consuming more acidic foods or drinks? Some common culprits are citrus fruits, tomato sauce, and sports drinks. What about more frequent consumption of sugar or soda? The amount of sugar we eat matters less to dental health as the time of exposure does. Sipping on soda all day can be worse than eating a large chocolate bar all at once.
Illness: If you are suffering from a sore throat or the flu, sucking on cough drops all day long can easily cause cavities. In more severe cases, chemotherapy is also a typical offender and in many cases results in dry mouth, making one more prone to cavities.
Changes In Dental Habits: Is your schedule of brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and with the proper technique become less routine? Make sure your home hygiene routine is up to par especially when your lifestyle becomes more hectic. Most people tend to over-brush, hoping to get the chore done faster, but what they don’t realize is that toothbrush bristles can do quite a bit of damage by cutting away the protective enamel of the tooth, making it more vulnerable to decay.
Gum Recession: Gum recession is also a result of overly aggressive brushing or not enough brushing and flossing. Receding gums expose the root of the tooth that is usually below the gumline. The root does not have the enamel covering the rest of your tooth, which protects it from cavities.
Braces: If you’ve recently gotten braces, you might have noticed it’s much harder to floss and brush. Talk to us about how you can improve your cleaning technique so that braces do not interfere with your dental hygiene.
Great Dentist Ready To Help in Coconut Grove, FL
Getting to the root of the problem is the most important thing when it comes to your dental health. Our team at Grove Smiles Dentistry is here to work with you and your family in treating and preventing tooth decay so that your whole family can have a healthy life and a cavity-free smile!
Call Today!
For Your Health,
Dr. Stephen J. Parr D.D.S.
