Why Are Some People More Prone to Cavities than Others?

Just about everyone knows at least one person who has dealt with a cavity or worse in their life. Maybe it’s you, someone in your family, or a friend or coworker. There’s a good chance that you also know people who have had hardly even a toothache in their life. Have you ever wondered what makes the difference? As it turns out, there’s more to the answer than just good brushing habits.

Genetics

One of the first things to consider is one that is entirely outside of your control: your genetics. Some people are born with genetics that make them less vulnerable to tooth decay. Others have genetics that mean that they are more vulnerable to things like bacteria that cause cavities. Your genes can also have an influence on the strength of your enamel. Given that the enamel plays an important role in protecting your teeth, it makes sense that those with weaker enamel would be more prone to developing cavities.

Diet

Fortunately, not all things that make you more prone to cavities are things outside of your control. Your diet has a role to play too. Some foods have a tendency to stain and weaken your teeth, while others can clean and strengthen them. That probably isn’t news to you. What you may not have considered, however, is that frequency also has a role to play. If you’re snacking and sipping on sugary treats frequently throughout the day, you’ll likely do far more damage than you would if you were to have a single dessert, regardless of the size. This is because you extend the duration of time that your teeth are exposed to sugar and the negative effects it can have on your teeth.

Teeth

Of course, there’s also the matter of the teeth themselves, which is arguably influenced by your genetics. The shape, alignment, and spacing of your teeth all have a say in how vulnerable you are to the formation of cavities. If your teeth are crowded or if they have deeper recesses in the chewing surfaces, it becomes much more difficult to thoroughly clean every part of the tooth. This increases the likelihood of plaque buildup and consequently the development of cavities.

There are a whole bunch of factors that have a role to play in how healthy and strong someone’s teeth are. Genetics, diet, the anatomy of the teeth themselves, and oral hygiene in general all have a role to play. With all the variables at hand, it’s no wonder that some people are more prone to developing cavities than others.

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