What are some common risk factors for tooth decay?
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American Dental Association answered:If you don't brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day and make regular dental visits, you are at risk for tooth decay.
Other risk factors include:
- sipping and snacking often on foods and drinks high in sugars
- drinking nonfluoridated water
- people who have dry mouth due to medications or other reasons
- people who have weak enamel due to genetics or childhood illness
Remember: Dental disease is almost entirely preventable and oral health is just as important as the health of the rest of your body.
If you don't brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day and make regular dental visits, you are at risk for tooth decay. Other risk factors include: sipping and snacking often on foods and drinks high in sugars drinking... More -
Dr. Michael Roizen answered:Many things can contribute to tooth decay, and not all are sweet. Some common culprits? You're naturally susceptible to tooth decay if your mother was unhealthy during pregnancy or you had poor childhood health, perhaps because the foundations of the teeth are not created ideally. Major food sources that cause decay include carbonated drinks (which dissolve enamel), sugary gums and sugary mints (which continually bathe our teeth with food bacteria love), and sticky foods and candies that stick to you teeth (like raisins, unless you religiously brush afterwards) Sucking candies is better for the health of your teeth. Also, as we age, we make less saliva from our mouth glands, and that can lead to tooth decay.
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Many things can contribute to tooth decay, and not all are sweet. Some common culprits? You're naturally susceptible to tooth decay if your mother was unhealthy during pregnancy or you had poor childhood health, perhaps because the foundations of... More -
Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:You are at risk for tooth decay if:
- You don't brush and floss regularly. Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and flossing daily removes bacteria and food particles from your mouth that cause tooth decay.
- You don't eat a balanced diet. Bacteria that destroy teeth thrive on carbohydrates. Many kinds of "carbs" are good for you, such as fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. However, soda pop, candy, and cakes are carbs, too. Cutting back on the latter kinds will help prevent tooth decay.
- You are over 50. Changes in the gums and deteriorating fillings that often occur in middle age and beyond can promote tooth decay.
You are at risk for tooth decay if: You don't brush and floss regularly. Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and flossing daily removes bacteria and food particles from your mouth that cause tooth decay. You don't eat a... More -
Dr. William Litaker answered:There are several risk factors for tooth decay. The first is poor oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing help remove the dental plaque which causes decay. A diet high in sugars or prolonged contact of sugars with the teeth is another risk factor. The dental plaque uses sugar to produce acids which can eat into the teeth causing cavities. A dry mouth is another risk factor. Saliva helps lubricate the teeth, and saliva helps neutralize some of the decay causing acids that the plaque produces.There are several risk factors for tooth decay. The first is poor oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing help remove the dental plaque which causes decay. A diet high in sugars or prolonged contact of sugars with the teeth is another risk factor. The... More
