Many female patients complain ‘I brush two times a day and my husband brushes only once still why do I have more cavities than my husband’?

The development of tooth decay is multifactorial, depending on many variables. The rate of cavities in females are influenced by the following factors:

•    Saliva plays a protective role against cavities through its mechanical washing, buffering, and re-mineralization activities. Scientific studies have shown that the flow rates of saliva are generally less in women than in men.
•    Hormonal fluctuations of estrogen occur in females during pregnancy, menstruation, and puberty. These elevated estrogen levels can lead to alteration in salivary composition.
•    Dietary habits play a major role in the etiology of dental decay. In many cultures, women have been the family member with the responsibility of food preparation. This would allow easier access to foods and snacks outside of mealtime. Frequent eating also is responsible for an increased incidence of cavities. Research has shown that females harbor more caries causing bacteria than males.
•    Tooth Eruption: In the pattern of tooth eruption, females tend to acquire their teeth at an earlier age than males. A female’s teeth are therefore exposed to the oral environment for a longer duration, providing more opportunity for caries to take place.
•    Genetic factors: Researchers can isolate certain genes and their proteins that contribute to enamel formation. There is a possibility that a deficient gene or a decreased amount of their protein leads to disruption of the formation of the enamel matrix and therefore increased caries susceptibility.

More research is needed to define the role of these two possible contributors more clearly for us to understand the development of caries in women and to anticipate the disease process before it begins.

How to take care of your oral health?

•    Brush twice daily.
•    Clean your tongue daily.
•    Floss every night.
•    Warm saline rinses every morning and night.
•    Visit your dentist every 6 months

My dear ladies, you need to take care of yourself. If you are healthy then only you will be able to take care of your loved ones.