Your Health: Tipping the Balance –What is your Cavity Risk?

Did you know that tooth decay is one of the most common of all diseases, second only to the common cold? Tooth decay, or commonly known as a cavity, is one of the world’s oldest and most widespread diseases. Tooth decay is a worldwide epidemic, especially among young children. Unfortunately, as we grow up we do not leave our cavity problems in our childhood.

Tooth decay affects more than 90% of US adults over the age of 40.

As dentists we get asked all the time: “I brush and floss every day and still get cavities, but my husband never flosses, and he’s never had a cavity. Why is that?” Unfortunately, cavity prevention isn’t as simple as brushing and flossing and not eating sugar. For cavities to occur, you need the right (or rather wrong) recipe.

The first thing to understand is that our mouth is a system that has a delicate balance between your teeth, saliva and cavity-causing bacteria. The harmful bacteria produce acids that attack the hard enamel outer layer of our teeth creating weak areas that eventually turn into cavities. Our saliva has many protective qualities that counteract the negative effects of these acids, therefore preventing cavities. The trick is to identify what is out of balance and how to tip the scales towards health and protection.

Ask yourself the following questions to help determine your risk for cavities:

- Do you have a dry mouth?

- Do you snack frequently between meals?

- Do you wear retainers, braces, or partial dentures?

- Do you smoke?

- Do you have acid reflux or heartburn?

- Do you drink soda, sports drinks, or acidic beverages frequently?

- Have you had frequent cavities in the past or fillings within the last three months?

Every “Yes” answer increases your risk of getting cavities.

Now ask yourself these questions:

- Do you brush your teeth twice a day?

- Do you use a fluoride toothpaste?

- Do you use a fluoride mouth rinse?

- Do you floss daily?

- Do you eat a healthy diet?

Every “Yes” answer decreases your risk of getting cavities.

The challenge in assessing your risk is complicated by the fact that your risk is always changing

on a daily basis as well as over time. So, it is crucial to develop a balance of increasing your

protective factors and reducing the diseasecausing factors.

At your next dental visit, be sure to share any of your “Yes” answers with your dentist or dental hygienist. Because tooth decay has been one of dentistry’s most researched topics, your dentist will be able to create an individualized treatment plan based on your risk factors instead of the “one size fits all” approach of the past. By tipping the scales towards a healthy balance, you’ll be on the path towards a cavity-free checkup.

Ann Slama, DDS, FAGD is a dentist at Concept Dentistry in Valley City.

Your Health is coordinated by the City County Health District.