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Soft Teeth: Myth or Fact?

Myth. The term “soft teeth” is usually used in reference to having teeth that are more susceptible to tooth decay or sensitivity. It is sometimes used to reference there being a lot of cavities in your family history, which has led you to have a gene pool that’s more vulnerable to cavities and decay.

The concept of soft teeth is a myth—you are in control of your own oral health and your teeth.

Cavities are 100% preventable and cannot be passed down as part of your family gene pool. Just because your parents, aunts, uncles or grandparents had a lot of cavities or decay, doesn’t necessarily mean that you will too.

Cavities and decay are a result of bacteria in your mouth and a lack of a proper oral hygiene routine for your specific needs. For example, if you are a smoker, you may need a different oral hygiene routine compared to someone who suffers from gum disease, and so on. Figuring out an oral hygiene routine that works for your specific needs is a big benefit of having regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist. That becomes your time to ask any questions about your oral health, and make sure you are taking the appropriate steps to avoid cavities and decay.

What can I do to prevent tooth decay?

The bacteria in your mouth lives primarily on sugar. A good way to cut down the decay in your mouth is to limit the amount of sugary or starchy foods that you eat. When the bacteria in your mouth break down sugars, they produce acids that attack your tooth enamel and cause decay.

Another great way to prevent tooth decay and cavities is to make sure you are doing at least the basics of a good oral hygiene routine. The three basic steps of a good oral health routine are:

  1. Brushing your teeth twice a day
  2. Flossing your teeth once a day
  3. Visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings

If you have any questions on how you can avoid decay and cavities, visit a 123Dentist.com location today! We would be happy to assess your teeth and give you tips on what you can do to avoid cavities.

For additional tips on how to avoid baby bottle tooth decay for your infants, click here: https://www.123dentist.com/how-to-deal-with-baby-bottle-tooth-decay/