Simply having teeth puts you at risk of tooth decay, which is why it’s of the utmost importance that you implement the necessary precautions to prevent tooth decay from presenting itself. Should your teeth decay to the point that they require removal, you may find yourself needing dental implants in Birmingham or wherever your dentist is based. No one has immunity from tooth decay, which is why it’s so important to protect your smile in any way possible. This means avoiding the top risk factors for dental decay wherever this is achievable.
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Worn Dental Fixes
Dental fixes such as crowns and fillings restore the function and appearance of damaged teeth; however, they can wear out and weaken with time. As a result, spaces are created in which bacteria and plaque can hide. After all, the vast majority of dental fixes aren’t designed to last a lifetime. It’s for this reason that it’s of the utmost importance that you visit your dentist at least twice a year for a check-up. They’ll be able to check the condition of your teeth and your fixes alike.
Specific Health Conditions
Specific health conditions are something that is out of your control; however, they can still be risk factors for dental decay. For instance, eating disorders and heartburn can bring stomach acids into the mouth, which can then weaken and damage enamel, resulting in an increased likelihood of dental decay. Similarly, individuals who suffer from dry mouth have less saliva to rinse plaque and bacteria from tooth surfaces. This is in addition to various other health conditions and medications that can elevate risks.
Inadequate Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that’s widely known for its ability to support oral health and fight off dental decay. That said, there are concerns about the problems that can come from ingesting too much fluoride. This is in addition to the worry that a lack of fluoride leaves teeth more vulnerable to dental decay. Ultimately, to avoid the likelihood of dental decay presenting itself as much as possible, the ideal balance of fluoride is the way forward.
Tooth Placement
Naturally, if a tooth is harder to clean, it will become more susceptible to dental decay. As a result, if a tooth is located at the back of the mouth or is misaligned, it becomes harder to clean, which makes it more susceptible to tooth decay. It’s for this reason that if you have misaligned teeth, you should contact your dentist to see what they can do for you. If they’re able to align your teeth for you, they’ll become easier to clean, allowing you to avoid dental decay as much as possible.
Poor Oral Hygiene
By effectively carrying out a brushing and flossing routine, you’re able to remove plaque before decay starts to take hold. Similarly, making an effort to regularly visit your dentist for deep cleaning will help ensure you clear away anything that has been missed. Meanwhile, this also enables you to identify and address any problems before they become more severe and more expensive to treat. If you cut corners with your oral hygiene routine, the likelihood of you getting cavities will naturally increase.
A Sugary Diet
Sugary drinks and snacks provide the bacteria lurking in the mouth with fuel to carry out their destructive activities. In addition to this, drinks and foods that cling to teeth can also contribute to the formation of plaque. This isn’t to say that you can’t ever treat yourself to a sugary snack; however, it’s about doing this in moderation and thoroughly cleaning your teeth after eating things that are particularly sweet.
