While tooth decay is preventable, many oral health experts believe that the health of your teeth depends on a combination of genetics and your dental hygiene habits.

Born this way?

Certain genetic factors may be linked to higher rates of tooth decay, which might explain why some people who are diligent about their oral health are still prone to cavities. Researchers believe the following genetic variations may influence how susceptible you are to cavities:

Are bad behaviors to blame?

Cavities are nearly 100% preventable. Hitting the genetic jackpot will only get you so far if you’re guilty of some not-so-healthy habits. Smoking and sugar are obvious oral health no-no’s, but what about the lesser-known nuances? Here are some not-so-obvious behaviors that can contribute to cavities:

Snoring – If you snort while you snooze, you may be at a higher risk for tooth decay. That’s because the more you snore, the less saliva you produce. A dry mouth is an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, which could eventually lead to cavities.

Appointment Skippers and Procrastinators – Skipping just 2 years of dental visits significantly increases your risk for tooth decay. No matter how rigorous your regimen, brushing and flossing doesn’t eradicate all buildup. Over time, you’ll need the help of a dental hygienist to scrape off stubborn tartar. It’s also important to note that dental issues can persist even if your mouth feels fine. Oftentimes you won’t exhibit any symptoms until a dental issue becomes more severe. Dentists and hygienists are an important ally in preventing tooth decay and can detect oral health issues before they progress.

Looking for more information on protecting your mouth from dental caries? Check out our other articles about cavity prevention.

2 Responses to “Cavities: Are They the Result of Genetics or Bad Behavior?”

These are some really good information about cavities and they seem like they would be helpful for families. If you or a family member had a lot of cavities it is important to know what caused them. If it is genetics then you will have to work every hard to insure your kids develop good habits. As well as see taking them to see the dentist regularly.

My family has a history of cavities. So, I liked that you explained that if you snore you will have a higher chance of getting tooth decay. A lot of my family has snoring issues as well. That explains a lot about why my family might have cavity issues.