Common Risk Factors And Causes Of Cavities

Certain Foods And Drinks

Certain foods and drinks contribute to cavities more than others. Tooth decay is the result of acid-producing bacteria in the mouth that feed on carbohydrates, including those in sugar and starch. Starchy and sugary foods and drinks are the worst for dental health because they actually feed the biofilm and bacteria that attack the teeth. Acidic foods, especially foods and drinks with a high amount of citrus, also contribute to cavities by eroding enamel and making teeth more susceptible to decay.

Along with the sugar that feeds the bacteria, the sticky substance also stays on teeth for longer than other foods and increases the damage. As a general rule, the longer the food clings to teeth, the more opportunity it has to feed bacteria. Other foods like potato chips can also contribute to cavities because they are very starchy and get stuck in the teeth.

Location Of Tooth

The location of the tooth can increase an individual's risk of developing a cavity. Certain teeth are more likely to experience decay than others. The majority of individuals who develop cavities find they form in the back teeth, otherwise known as the premolars and molars. This is partially because of the shapes of these teeth. Unlike the front teeth, which are mostly flat, the molars and premolars have complicated surfaces with a lot of grooves and pits. They also tend to be larger than the front teeth and have more volume in which a cavity can form. In addition, these teeth have multiple roots rather than just a single root. It's more difficult to keep them clean than the smoother front teeth. This isn't helped by the fact they're harder to reach with a toothbrush. Switching to an electric toothbrush can sometimes help get debris out of crevices a manual brush has trouble reaching.