6 Things That Could be Contributing to Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a major problem for people of all ages. But did you know that it’s not always caused by the obvious culprits like poor oral hygiene, sugary foods, and acidic drinks? There are a surprising number of factors that can contribute to tooth decay, some of which you may not even think about.

From medical conditions to dietary habits, here are 8 surprising factors that could be contributing to your tooth decay.

Sugary foods and acidic drinks

Sugary foods and acidic drinks are frequently cited as major contributors to tooth decay. When you consume sugar, bacteria in your mouth feast on it, producing more acid. The more acidic your mouth is, the more your teeth are at risk of being damaged.

While the obvious solution would be to simply stop eating sugary foods, this is easier said than done. If you cut these foods out of your diet entirely, you run the risk of malnutrition, so it’s important to moderate your intake. 

Keeping your mouth relatively alkaline is easier than you think. You can do this by rinsing your mouth with water after consuming sugary foods and brushing your teeth immediately after. You can also use dental products like mouthwash or chewing gum that have a neutralizing effect on the acid in your mouth.

Dry mouth

Most people associate dry mouth with age, but it can be caused by a few factors, including medications. While dry mouth does not necessarily cause tooth decay, it does make teeth more susceptible to damage.

A dry mouth is caused by reduced saliva production, which is a result of several environmental and biological factors including certain medications, decreased blood flow to the salivary glands, and certain medical conditions like diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome, and sarcoidosis. 

When saliva levels are reduced, there isn’t enough moisture in your mouth to prevent tooth decay. Saliva contains minerals and proteins that can help to neutralize the acid produced by bacteria in your mouth, so its absence can be a problem.

Certain medical conditions

If you have certain medical conditions, you may be at higher risk of tooth decay due to changes in your oral health. If you have an underactive thyroid, diabetes or kidney disease, you may be diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which can cause a dry mouth. If you have an autoimmune disease or are undergoing chemotherapy, you may develop Sjogren’s syndrome, which can reduce saliva production. 

If you have coeliac disease, you may have to follow a gluten-free diet, which can affect the strength of your teeth. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you may experience joint deformities that can affect your oral health.

Smoking

If you smoke regularly, you’re not just putting your lungs at risk – you’re also putting your teeth at risk. Smoking is one of the biggest contributors to tooth decay and can cause staining, tooth sensitivity, and a reduction in enamel strength. If you smoke, you’re more likely to develop caries, a bacterial infection in the teeth caused by plaque. 

The toxic chemicals present in cigarettes interfere with the ability of saliva to neutralise the effects of plaque, making you more susceptible to tooth decay. If you smoke, you’re also at a higher risk of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss.

Diet

Your diet can play a major role in preventing tooth decay, as well as treating it. You can take steps to reduce your risk of developing tooth decay by following a low-sugar diet, but you can also reverse existing tooth decay by following a diet high in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous.

Certain nutrients – like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous – can help to strengthen your teeth, reversing the effects of tooth decay. Other nutrients, like vitamin C, can help to prevent tooth decay.

Medications

Some medications can cause dry mouth. Certain drugs like antihistamines, anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can cause dry mouth. If your mouth is dry, you’re less likely to produce the saliva that neutralizes the acid produced by bacteria in your mouth and helps to prevent tooth decay.

To reduce your risk of tooth decay, you should always consult with your doctor before stopping or changing your medication.

If you’re facing problems with your teeth health, consider colgate duraphat 5000 which is a high fluoride toothpaste designed to fight against cavities.

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