Good oral health comes from an awareness of your risk factors and protective factors. Think about your answers to these questions and use this chart to start a conversation with your dentist about managing your areas of risk. Be aware that the chance that you will develop cavities changes over time as your risk factors change.
Protective Factors
Brush and floss daily
Annual or semi-annual check ups at dentist
Use of fluoride toothpaste
Sealants applied to molars
Topical fluoride varnish applied
Community water is fluoridated
Use products with xylitol
Good genetics
Risk Factors
Poor daily hygiene or no daily hygiene
Irregular visits to dentist
A cavity within the last 3 years
Prolonged use of bottles by babies
A tooth lost to decay or dental disease
Puffy or bleeding gums
Receding (shrinking) gums, root surface is exposed
Diabetes
Pregnancy
Tobacco use (cigarettes, pipes, cigars, chewing)
Prescription/over-the counter-medicines
Braces or partial dentures
Between meal consumption of sugary foods
Between meal consumption of acidic foods
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Eating disorders
Drug or alcohol abuse
Special health care needs
Dry mouth
Now answer the following questions to see your risk of oral disease.