Worldwide, an estimated 2 billion people have at least one cavity, or caries, on a permanent tooth.1 Cavities occur mainly from oral hygiene issues or dietary habits, but you may wonder why some families get more cavities than others. Could there be a genetic component to the development of caries? Here is what you need to know about cavity fillings in Webster.
What Are Cavities?
A cavity is a hole in a tooth that occurs because of tooth decay. The acids in your mouth wear down the enamel, the hard outer layer that protects your teeth. Cavities can begin on any tooth, and there are a few types of them, including:
- Smooth surface cavities
- Pit and fissure decay
- Root decay
Smooth surface cavities are slow-forming cavities that can be prevented and even reversed with proper oral hygiene. Pit and fissure decay forms on the top part of the chewing surface, but it can also develop on the front side of your back teeth. Root decay occurs more often in people who have receding gum lines, allowing acids to reach the roots of the teeth.
When you come to us with a cavity at Empire Dental Care, we can determine which type of cavity you may have and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Causes of Cavities: Is Genetics to Blame?
Most people’s dental health comes down to following proper oral hygiene habits. This means brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice daily. In some instances, however, even keeping up with your brushing and flossing is not enough.
Immune System Issues
The immune system helps protect your oral cavity and structures. That’s why people who have a weakened immune system tend to develop cavities more easily. However, the role of the immune cells, especially those called neutrophils, is complex. In fact, as part of their job to eliminate bacteria, neutrophils can even cause some damage to dental structures. That’s why an overactive immune system, like in autoimmune diseases, can enhance the damage caused by bacteria. As was found in one study, neutrophils can sometimes enhance the effects of bacteria.2
Genetics and Your Immune System
Some genetic autoimmune conditions, like Sjogren’s Syndrome, cause dry mouth issues. Your teeth need saliva to stay healthy because it fights off bacteria and even remineralizes teeth. Cavities are more likely to develop if you don’t produce enough saliva.
Other genetic autoimmune diseases, like celiac, restrict your foods and complicate nutrient absorption. It can mean having vitamin and mineral deficiencies that weaken your teeth, making them more likely to develop cavities and require fillings.
Get Cavity Fillings in Webster
Although some genetic conditions affect the chances of developing cavities, maintaining good oral hygiene habits is enough to prevent them for most people. If you develop a cavity, getting fillings might be the best and least invasive option.
At Empire Dental Care, we offer gentle cavity fillings in Webster to protect your smile and oral health. Contact us to schedule an appointment with our experienced team today at 585-671-1650.
Sources:
[1] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health
[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1742706119301461