What are possible reasons for an unusual amount of tooth decay?!
Question: What are possible reasons for an unusual amount of tooth decay!?
My mother, who is in her late 50s, just came back from a dentist appointment and found that she has many cavities!. She normally has no cavities, and if she does, it's just one and they are few and far between!. She hasn't increased her intake of sugary foods and she still brushes and flosses regularly!. The dentist said he could tell she was taking care of her teeth and didn't understand why she suddenly has so many cavities!. Most of them were along the gum line!. I suspected that it might have to do with her calcium level decreasing with age, but she's been post-menopausal for a few years now and this hasn't happened before!. She wondered if it might have any connection to medication or anything else having to do with her recent lung surgery to remove a cancerous tumor!. Does anyone know what might cause a person with good eating habits and dental hygiene to suddenly develop many cavities!? She is also a non-smoker and drinks alcohol infrequently!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
Hi I just wanted to mention it sounds similar to what happened to me a few years back!. I had regular checkups and cleanings and did okay - not too many cavities, only a few here and there, and then I went in and had an astonishing amount and many near the gum line!. The dentist was surprised also and asked pointedly if I had been expriening a lot of extra stress the past few months, year!. I had!. Mostly emotional stress due to a family relationship, moving, etc!. So that was what caused it, most likely, my dentist said!. Stress = cavities!. Well!.!.!. simply put, that was the best and most realistic explanation!. So if there isn't anything obvious that's causing her stress, just in case it's that!.!.!. try to find out if it's something more private she's worrying or stressing about!. Just a thought, in case that's it!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
A combination of all the factors you mention here could be the cause, particularly cancer treatments!. The menopause and the cancer treatments can cause dry mouth!. A decrease in the amount or the viscosity of her saliva can result in an increase in the bacteria responsible for cavities!. She needs to be aware of this an make smart choices in regards to foods and beverages!. Many people who suffer from dry mouth chew gum or suck on mints and hard candies!. If this is the case with your mother, she be sure to choose sugar free gum and mints!. If she is a soda drinker, it makes little difference if she is drinking diet or regular soda!. Both contain phosphoric acid which is the same type of acid produced by the bacteria that cause cavities!. Have her talk to her dentist for recommendation!. There are products out there for dry mouth, like Stoppers and she may want to start using products with a higher concentration of fluoride!. For instance, Fluoridex is a prescription toothpaste her dentist can prescribe!. This can help prevent more cavities from forming!.Www@Answer-Health@Com