Who is at risk for tooth decay?
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American Dental Association answered:Everyone is at risk of tooth decay. After you have a meal, snack or drink that contains sugars, the bacteria in your mouth change them into acids that attack tooth enamel. Repeated acid attacks can cause the enamel to break down and may result in cavities. That’s why it is important to have healthy blood sugar levels, have a well-balanced diet, practice good oral care at home and see your dentist regularly for checkups.Everyone is at risk of tooth decay. After you have a meal, snack or drink that contains sugars, the bacteria in your mouth change them into acids that attack tooth enamel. Repeated acid attacks can cause the enamel to break down and may... More -
Dr. De Vizio DMD of Colgate answered:Everyone with teeth is at risk for tooth decay. Although parents often warn their kids about the perils of tooth decay, children and adults--especially older adults--can develop cavities if they don't take good care of their teeth.
People of all ages get tooth decay from eating sugary or starchy foods and drinking sweet soda. Bacteria love to eat sugar that's left on your teeth; the bacteria produce acids that wear away your tooth enamel.
Poor dental hygiene and getting too little fluoride in your toothpaste and/or water also contribute to tooth decay. Problems that can develop in your mouth as you age, such as gum disease and worn-down fillings, also can contribute. If you have heartburn, your teeth may suffer as a result when acid that back up through your esophagus wears down tooth enamel.
What's your best bet for keeping your teeth healthy and cavity-free? Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and encourage your kids to do the same. Also, floss daily and see your dentist for regular checkups.Everyone with teeth is at risk for tooth decay. Although parents often warn their kids about the perils of tooth decay, children and adults--especially older adults--can develop cavities if they don't take good care of their teeth.... More -
Dr. Gregory D. Tuttle answered:Anyone with teeth is at risk for tooth decay. Factors that increase that risk include poor oral hygiene and a high-carbohydrate diet. Available fluoride through fluoridated water, toothpaste, and fluoride rinses are important to help reduce that risk. People who visit their dentist twice per year for regular oral examinations and professional cleaning are also at reduced risk.Anyone with teeth is at risk for tooth decay. Factors that increase that risk include poor oral hygiene and a high-carbohydrate diet. Available fluoride through fluoridated water, toothpaste, and fluoride rinses are important to help reduce that... More -
Dr. Supriya Verma answered:Any person who has a tooth or teeth in their mouth is at risk for tooth decay. That risk can be high or low depending on a variety of factors. Ask your dentist what your risk level is. No matter what your risk level is, it can be reduced with a good oral hygiene regimen. Your dentist can help you establish an Oral hygiene regimen that is best suited for you.
Any person who has a tooth or teeth in their mouth is at risk for tooth decay. That risk can be high or low depending on a variety of factors. Ask your dentist what your risk level is. No matter what your risk level is, it can be reduced with a... More -
Dr. Divyang Patel answered:In general anyone who does not remove the daily buildup of plaque and the food particles is at risk for tooth decay.
The risk will increase when a person has a higher sugar intake, habit of snacking frequently, reduced flow of saliva due to a medical condition or due to side effects of a medication, reduced ability to use a toothbrush due to arthritis or limited skills.
It is a good idea to talk to your dentist during your visit for cleaning to have him point out areas you are missing during normal brushing at home.
In general anyone who does not remove the daily buildup of plaque and the food particles is at risk for tooth decay. The risk will increase when a person has a higher sugar intake, habit of snacking frequently, reduced flow of saliva due to a... More -
Dr. Stephen H. Hook answered:Anyone who has teeth. If you are older than 6 months chances are pretty good that this includes you. The mouth is not a sterile environment. It will always have some nutrients for bacteria to feed on and if the bacteria can organize in the biofilm on your teeth and form plaque, then there is a chance for decay. The risks vary according to the amounts and types of food available, the time the plaque has to form, the condition of the teeth on which the plaque is organizing, the hygiene practices of the host (you) and your overall health and resistance.
Anyone who has teeth. If you are older than 6 months chances are pretty good that this includes you. The mouth is not a sterile environment. It will always have some nutrients for bacteria to feed on and if the bacteria can organize in the... More -
Dr. Thomas Connelly answered:Anyone with natural teeth is at risk for tooth decay. Thus, the only people not at risk are infants, and people with full dentures. Now, some people are at higher risk than others - kids who eat sweets might be more at risk than those who do not, but like most of us dentists say, brushing and flossing will be the big differentiators, regardless of age or diet.Anyone with natural teeth is at risk for tooth decay. Thus, the only people not at risk are infants, and people with full dentures. Now, some people are at higher risk than others - kids who eat sweets might be more at risk than those who do not,... More -
Dr. William Litaker answered:Everyone can be at risk for tooth decay. A good diet, good brushing and flossing habits, and regular visits to the dentist can help decrease this risk. Those with a dry mouth are at a higher risk of developing decay. Some medications and radiation to the head and neck can lead to a dry mouth. Sipping water and sugar free lemon drops can help to moisten the mouth. Your dentist may also prescribe a fluoride rinse or gel as fluoride makes the enamel more resistant to decay.
Everyone can be at risk for tooth decay. A good diet, good brushing and flossing habits, and regular visits to the dentist can help decrease this risk. Those with a dry mouth are at a higher risk of developing decay. Some medications and radiation... More -
Dr. Mark Birnbach answered:Short answer- Everyone who has teeth!
Longer answer- there are many factors that affect ones susceptibility to decay.
Genetics can play a factor, as well as medical conditions (lack of proper formation of enamel). Fluoride makes teeth stronger (more resistant to decay) when ingested as the teeth are forming. Once they have formed and are in the mouth, fluoride helps to reduce the effect of the acids created when the bacteria break down foods.
Inadequate brushing and flossing allow the bacteria to thrive.
A diet that is high in sugars (sodas, candy, etc.) is easier for the bacteria to turn into acid.
Short answer- Everyone who has teeth! Longer answer- there are many factors that affect ones susceptibility to decay. Genetics can play a factor, as well as medical conditions (lack of proper formation of enamel). Fluoride makes teeth stronger (more... More
