7 Signs You Have a Wisdom Tooth Infection

Expert Author
Dr. Alison Fransen Dentist Vancouver, BC

Dr. Alison Fransen is a 1997 graduate of The University of British Columbia. "When I was young I loved visiting my dentist. The receptionist knew my name and often asked me about my day at school, the dental assistant remembered my favourite fluoride flavour and the dentist was always gentle and kind. As a patient, I enjoyed... more

Have you noticed a lot of cavities in your mouth suddenly?

What's the deal? How did these sneaky little holes manage to set up shop in your teeth without you even realizing it?

Turns out, there's a whole bunch of things that can team up to give you surprise cavities – your diet, how you take care of your pearly whites, your lifestyle, and even your health conditions.

In this blog post, I’ll explain why these unexpected cavities are crashing the party and how you can show them the exit. 

Diet Changes

Your diet plays a big role in keeping your teeth in check. Some grub and drinks can be real troublemakers for your teeth, packing in sugar, acid, or starch. Here's the lowdown on how your eating habits can team up with cavities:

  • Sugar overload: Yeah, blame it on the sugar. Munching on sugary stuff and guzzling sweet drinks is like throwing a party for bacteria in your mouth. They go wild, produce acid, and start breaking down your tooth enamel. So, even your favorite candy, cookies, or sports drink can be in on the cavity-causing action.
  • Acidic eats: If you're all about citrus fruits, tomatoes, or vinegar, be cautious. Too much of these acidic goodies can mess with your tooth enamel, making it more prone to cavities.
  • Starch: Bread, pasta, and crackers might be your go-to snacks, but here's the deal—they break down into sugars in your mouth. And you guessed it, those sugars become a feast for cavity-causing bacteria.
  • Dietary changes during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Hormones during these times can throw your teeth for a loop, making them more vulnerable to cavities. Keep an eye on your dental game during these periods.

Oral Hygiene Changes

If you're slacking on the brushing and flossing game, cavities might just crash your dental bash.

Here's how your oral hygiene routine might cause you sudden cavities:

  • Skipping brushing or flossing: It's non-negotiable – you gotta brush twice a day and floss once a day to kick out the plaque and bacteria. Even skipping these steps every now and then can open the door for cavities to sneak in.
  • Using a worn-out toothbrush: A worn-out toothbrush won't do you any favors. It's not going to clean your teeth the way it should, leaving spots that are like open invitations for cavities.

Lifestyle Changes

You know, life changes – new habits, different digs, or maybe a health tweak. Turns out, these shifts can mess with your mouth, leaving you more prone to cavities. Here’s how your day-to-day choices might be inviting lots of cavities all of a sudden:

  • Dry mouth: Ever heard of Sjögren's syndrome or taken certain meds that leave your mouth feeling like a desert? Well, that dry spell messes with your saliva's protective powers, setting the stage for cavities to swoop in.
  • Stress: Stress weakens your immune system, making you an easy target for dental drama, including cavities. So, take a breather and cut your teeth some slack.
  • Teeth grinding and clenching: If you're a teeth grinder or clencher, your enamel takes a hit. It wears down, leaving the door wide open for cavities to stroll on in.

Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions can throw a curveball at your oral health, especially if they mess with your saliva, blood sugar, or tooth development. Plus, certain treatments for medical stuff, like chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can be a bit tough on your teeth. 

Here's the lowdown on how medical conditions can team up with cavities:

  • Acid reflux vibes: Got that acid reflux going on? Well, stomach acid can make a surprise visit to your mouth, playing the role of enamel eroder.
  • Diabetes drama: Diabetes can make you more cavity-prone, thanks to those high blood sugar levels.

Other Reasons: 

Let's talk about a few more reasons why you can get sudden cavities:

  • New medications: Sometimes, the meds you're popping can bring along dry mouth or other side effects that amp up the risk of cavities.
  • Changes in tooth development: Certain meds or health issues can throw a curveball at how your teeth develop, making them more cavities-prone.

What to Do Now?

It is important to note that your sudden cavities might have a different backstory. 

The smart move? 

Book an appointment with a dentist near you. They'll examine your teeth, figure out the scoop, and advise you on the best solution to tackle sudden cavities.