[KoK! Health] "Why Do I Get Cavities Easily?"... The 'This' That Increases Cavity Risk

[Image source=Getty Images]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Dental caries (tooth decay), one of the very common diseases, is an oral disease in which the tooth surface is damaged and holes form due to acidic substances produced by the metabolic activity of caries-causing bacteria. Early caries begin as white spots, but as the condition worsens, they gradually change into brown spots, damaging the tooth and stimulating the nerves inside, causing toothache.

Several Factors Where Dental Caries Occur More Frequently

The degree of dental caries varies depending on individual oral conditions, but caries is a very common infectious chronic oral disease that anyone can experience. Among these, there are certain environments where caries occur more easily. First, if the concave areas on the tooth surface are deeper and narrower fissures, caries are more likely to appear. Therefore, the incidence of caries is higher in growing children than in adults. Also, due to genetic and environmental influences, if the teeth are incompletely formed during the time they develop, the rough surface of the teeth provides a favorable habitat for caries-causing bacteria.

It goes without saying that having a large number of caries-causing bacteria in the mouth also increases the likelihood of caries. If proper brushing is not performed, bacteria attach and multiply on the tooth surface. If there are areas where brushing is insufficient, appropriate brushing techniques and the use of oral hygiene aids such as dental floss, interdental brushes, and interdental oral irrigators should be properly applied.

If brushing is not done properly, bacteria attach and multiply on the tooth surface, leading to increased caries. During regular oral examinations, if there are areas where brushing is insufficient, it is recommended to receive education on proper brushing techniques and the appropriate use of oral hygiene aids such as dental floss, interdental brushes, and interdental oral irrigators tailored to those areas.

Also, the more frequently foods containing sugar or carbohydrates are consumed, the more food is available for caries-causing bacteria, creating an environment favorable for bacterial survival inside the mouth. For growing children, it is advisable to plan snacks with healthy foods that protect oral health. Additionally, the stickier the food consumed, the more easily it adheres to the tooth surface, and once attached, it does not easily come off, providing a long-lasting food source for caries-causing bacteria, which can lead to more caries. Therefore, it is good to consume vegetables and fruits that contain moisture and are rich in fiber appropriately.

Those with xerostomia (dry mouth) or undergoing radiation therapy may also experience reduced saliva secretion, increasing the likelihood of caries. Adequate saliva secretion is essential to lower the risk of caries.

"Use Fluoride Toothpaste, Professional Fluoride Application Recommended"

To prevent caries or help early caries recover naturally, it is recommended to use toothpaste containing fluoride of 1000ppm or more. High-fluoride toothpaste containing 1450ppm fluoride is also available on the market, so if caries occur frequently, it is advisable to consult a dentist. When teeth absorb fluoride, the tooth components change into substances that are more resistant to caries-causing bacteria. Teeth with high fluoride content have the ability to self-repair early caries, thus preventing the progression of caries.

Professor Lee Seok-ryeon of the Department of Conservative Dentistry at Kangdong Kyung Hee University Dental Hospital is examining a patient.
[Photo by Kangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital]

Professional fluoride application is a method of applying fluoride to the tooth surface to supply fluoride to the teeth. It increases the caries-preventive effect of fluoride by allowing fluoride to adhere to the tooth surface for as long as possible so that the teeth can absorb it. Dentists evaluate the factors causing caries and perform professional fluoride applications every 3 to 6 months according to the situation. In addition, it is recommended to receive explanations about proper brushing techniques and additional oral hygiene management methods through regular oral examinations, and to get personalized prescriptions based on consultations about dietary intake.

Before professional fluoride application, it is advised to have meals or drinks ready, and after the application, not to consume even water for 1 hour. Food intake is possible after at least 1 hour, and it is best to start with water and soft foods. Normal meals are recommended 3 to 4 hours after fluoride application.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.