We get this question all the time – especially in families with more than one child. “How come one of my kids never gets cavities, and the other gets them all the time?” “They eat the same things and brush/floss the same – so what gives?” This seems particularly unfair when the more diligent brusher gets dental decay and the “lazy” brusher has perfect teeth. The fact of the matter is that our mouths are not created equal, and are inhabited by completely different mixes of beneficial and detrimental bacteria. Our mouths and GI tracts are filled with millions of bacteria – some of them help crowd out or kill harmful microorganisms that could get us very sick. Others help us regulate our digestion and may even have an effect on our mood (really!). The type of bacteria that causes cavities produce acid, and thrive in acidic environments. That acid eats away at tooth structure, causing cavities. So, knowing this, the big question is how do we get rid of these bad bacteria? I wish it were as simple as an antibiotic, but antibiotics would kill much of the beneficial bacteria as well, and both the bad and good stuff would grow back before long. The KEY to decreasing the amount of, and limiting the effect of these bad bugs, is to starve them. These acid-producing bacteria are carb-crazy, so if we can limit the amount of time that carbohydrates are available to them, they die out, leaving a diminished population of the bad bugs, and more of the good ones. For kids (grownups too) with a high risk for decay, my recommendation is carbs ONLY at mealtimes (that’s breakfast, lunch, dinner), brush after every meal, and eat between-meal snacks that are loaded with protein, fat, and fiber. Some of these good snacks include: nuts, cheese, crunchy veggies (and some crunchy fruits), meat, and low/no-sugar yogurt. And of course, just water to drink between meals. I know this sounds boring/difficult, especially with little ones (I know – I’m a father of 4), but it can be the difference between a mouth full of decay and a perfect smile. What about at school, though? That can be a tough one, depending on the school and teacher, but for kids that are at higher risk for decay, I like to get the teacher onboard with brushing – and if that’s impossible, then to at least ensure the kiddos are drinking some water after their meal/snack and having parents brush right after school. If you were wondering why some people get cavities more easily than others, I hope this has been a helpful read. These tips are just part of the comprehensive prevention plan we like to give each patient. Please give us a call if you have any other questions on this subject in general, or about your child specifically.
Why Do Some People Get Cavities So Easily?
We get this question all the time – especially in families with more than one child. “How come one of my kids never gets cavities, and the other gets them all the time?” “They eat the same things…