Good News! That is actually not the case. Cavities are caused by bacteria. While multiple bacteria play a role in cavities , the primary culprit is a nasty strain called streptococcus mutans that thrives by producing acid from sugar in your diet. I have seen the occasional patient with truly soft enamel, but rarely is this genetic.
This means that when you share a spoon or a straw with another person you are also sharing the germs in their mouth.
Sadly this is true for kissing too. A cavity is a result of bacteria chewing a hole in the tooth. Once you have been exposed to these cavity causing bacterial strains they will always be present in your mouth as long as you have teeth.
However, these bacteria need sugar to form cavities decay. Luckily our teeth are smooth and saliva keeps our teeth slippery and this helps keep prevent bacteria from attaching to our teeth. The bacteria has to release a sticky glue-like substance that enables it to adhere to your teeth. We call this mix of bacteria and sticky glue plaque.
The more plaque you have the more bacteria are present and actively chewing through your teeth. Therefore, those that have a great deal of plaque are more prone to cavities. Thankfully you can say that you got your brown eyes from your parents, but not your cavity prone teeth. Preventing cavities is well within your reach! Home About Meet Dr. Powered by UnitedThemes.
