For Adults: Am I at Risk for Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is one of the most common diseases affecting adults in the United States. A variety of factors put people at a greater risk for tooth decay, but the three most important are:

1. How much bacteria accumulate on the surface of your teeth,
2. How frequently the bacteria come in contact with refined carbohydrates such as sugar, and
3. The strength or hardness of your tooth enamel. When bacteria and refined carbohydrates combine, the resulting acid can harm your tooth enamel.

The following questions may help you determine if you are at higher risk for tooth decay: