Dental Blog

Cavities are a common dental issue affecting people of all ages. While often associated with children and teens, cavities do not discriminate and can appear in anyone’s mouth, regardless of their oral hygiene habits. The development of cavities is influenced by several factors including genetics, dietary habits, and dental care routines. Understanding what leads to cavities and how to effectively prevent them is crucial. At 208 Dental located in Meridian, ID. Dr. Goettsche is prepared to help you manage any cavities that form in your mouth or in the mouth of a loved one.

Is It Normal To Have Cavities?

Cavities, also known as tooth decay or caries, are a common dental issue characterized by permanently damaged areas on the hard surface of teeth, leading to small openings or holes. While cavities are most prevalent in children and teenagers, they can occur in individuals of any age and with varying levels of oral hygiene. So, even if you are someone with the best oral hygiene practices on the planet, it’s still 100% normal to get a cavity at some point in your life. Don’t fret, Dr. Goettsche and the team at 208 Dental foster a completely judgment-free space in our office.

What Are Common Causes For Cavities?

Cavities stem from a variety of factors, many of which are under our control.

• Poor oral hygiene practices, such as incorrect or inadequate brushing and flossing, are primary contributors.
• Regularly indulging in foods and drinks high in sugar content also significantly increases the risk of cavity formation.
• Chronic dry mouth or dehydration can also contribute to cavity development, as saliva is essential for neutralizing acids and remineralizing teeth.
• Genetics can predispose individuals to develop cavities no matter how effective they are at dental hygiene.
• Malpositioned or missing teeth, which create hard-to-clean areas, are equally influential.
• Lifestyle choices like heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, and recreational drug use can detrimentally impact oral health.

How Many Cavities In A Lifetime Is Normal?

The frequency of cavities in an individual's lifetime can vary widely. On average, a person might experience about three cavities during their lifetime, but it's not uncommon to have closer to ten. This range is quite broad, as oral health differs greatly from person to person. Some individuals may never develop a cavity, while others might face cavities in almost every tooth.

Regular dental exams, ideally every six months, play a pivotal role in early cavity detection and management, allowing for simpler and more effective treatments. When a cavity is identified, our team takes the time to show you exactly what's happening in your mouth by using state of the art tools like intraoral cameras and digital x-rays. Through spending time educating our patients and helping them understand the problem at hand, we find our patients are more motivated to address the issue and have healthier smiles.

By offering a personalized approach, we help you identify the factors most contributing to your cavities, enabling you to make informed lifestyle changes to prevent future occurrences. If an abnormally high number of cavities is detected, we dedicate additional time and resources to help you understand the necessary changes you can make to reduce future cavity development.

Contact 208 Dental in Meridian for Dental Fillings

Whether you're a new patient looking for a change in dentists, or you recently moved to the Meridian area, we're here to meet all your dental needs. Schedule your appointment online and join our family of satisfied patients. You can easily book online, call us, or even send a text at (208) 501-8860. Let us be a part of your journey to a healthier, brighter smile. Your smile deserves the best care, and we're here to provide just that!

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