
Your teeth are filled with multiple grooves and small crevices. The design of your teeth helps you to chew food effectively and talk, but it can also lead to bacteria build-up or lingering food particles. While teeth may seem small, there is actually a large amount of surface area that is susceptible to cavities. We will look at the risks of cavities and how it is possible for you to get multiple cavities in one tooth.
What Causes Multiple Cavities
Certain illnesses and oral conditions can increase your risk of multiple cavities. Even if you take great care of your teeth and practice proper oral hygiene, you can still experience cavities. There are essentially five surfaces on a tooth where cavities can form, even though two sides are next to other teeth.
Certain diets, medications, and genetics can play a role in your likelihood of cavities. Even if you regularly go to the dentist, brush, and floss, you may still experience a cavity. Other instances that can cause cavities or tooth decay include:
- Dry mouth
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol
- Excessive soda
- Dehydration
- Unbalanced diet
- Frequent snacking
- Lack of fluoride
- Age of your teeth
- Heartburn or acid reflux
While these instances do pose a risk for cavities, participating or having a few of these risk factors does not automatically mean you will experience cavities. Taking care of your teeth by brushing and drinking enough water will help remove sugar and food particles from the teeth.
Are Some People More Susceptible To Cavities?
Unfortunately, some people are more prone to cavities than others. The genetics that help to build the shape and size of your teeth can impact how frequently you experience cavities. Some individuals have deeper grooves, especially in the back teeth like molars and wisdom teeth. These grooves can hold more bacteria or food particles that will settle and turn into cavities.
Those with preexisting conditions like dry mouth, and oral thrush, or those on certain medications can have a higher risk of cavities. Certain routines or medications will cause dryness that can lead to tooth decay.
What You Can Do If You Are Prone To Multiple Cavities
Patients who deal with multiple cavities may feel discouraged and think there is no hope for their oral health. There are extra precautionary steps you can take to improve your oral health, thus reducing the risk of multiple cavities.

Visit Your Dentist Frequently
Visiting the dentist for cleanings is recommended every 6 months, but those with frequent oral problems could benefit from going more often. Checking in with your dentist frequently may allow them to fill or remove the cavity before it progresses.
Consider Using Mouthwash
Many patients lack the fluoride needed to protect their teeth from multiple cavities. Using a mouthwash with fluoride can help remove stubborn food particles while cleansing the teeth of bacteria.
Look Into Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are essentially caps that are placed over the top of a tooth. It evens out the surface of your tooth and prevents particles from lodging in the tiny spaces. Even if food or bacteria settles in the sealant, it will not damage the tooth enamel or lead to a cavity.
Can You Have Multiple Fillings In One Tooth?
Depending on where your cavities occur, you may not be able to get multiple fillings. Due to the small size of teeth, there may not be enough room to have multiple fillings. If you have had a cavity on this tooth before, the dentist may not be able to remove the decayed part of the tooth and put in another filling.
If a filling can not be used to restore your tooth, you may need a crown or other restorative method to keep the tooth from decaying further. Dentists will perform extractions only when nothing else can be done to save the tooth. Fillings and crowns are the best way to prevent further cavities from happening.
Oral Care From Sunset Dental

Sunset Dental wants to help more people in Utah have bright smiles! Our dentist and hygienists will do all we can to help clean your teeth, fill cavities, remove plaque, and more. When you sit in our chair, you will be treated with respect and understanding. We only complete services that our clients truly need, so no stressful procedures or painful prodding. Sunset Dental meets all health standards needed for a health facility. We keep our space clean, disinfected, and orderly. Reach out to us for your regular cleaning, or to have a more cosmetic service.