Cavities, also known as dental caries, are permanent damage to your teeth caused by tooth decay. They are holes in the tooth’s enamel and range in size from small to large. They develop when acids produced by plaque bacteria attack your teeth’ enamel, eroding it and leading to cavities. They can cause a hole in tooth pain, sensitivity, and discomfort.
Several factors, like poor oral hygiene habits, sugary and acidic foods, drinks, and dry mouth, can lead to this. Understanding how cavities form is important for preventing them from occurring in the first place.
Five Cavity Causes
- Plaque buildup
Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on the surface of teeth. It develops when you have poor dental hygiene, and it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Dry mouth
A dry mouth is a common condition that can lead to cavities. It causes the mouth to become acidic and increases the risk of tooth decay.
When you have a dry mouth, you’re not producing enough saliva to clean your teeth, gums, and tongue regularly. This will make them more likely to get cavities because bacteria that live on our teeth love an acidic environment—and if there isn’t enough saliva flowing over them, they’ll multiply quickly.
- Poor diet
Sugary foods and drinks have been shown to increase bacteria in our mouths, which can lead to cavity formation.
Consuming acidic foods can erode the enamel and cause cavities. The acidity of these beverages can damage the tooth enamel over time.
- Lack of Professional Teeth Cleaning
If you don’t get your teeth cleaned, the bacteria in them can build up and cause cavities, especially if you have a lot of dental work done, such as bridges or crowns.
If you’re concerned about gum disease and want to keep it under control, make sure you visit your dentist in Tuscaloosa every six months for a professional cleaning session.
- Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding is a common cause of cavities. It can also cause other dental problems like gum disease and jaw pain. This strain causes wear on the enamel (the outer layer) of your teeth, causing them to become thinner and more porous over time.
The best way to prevent this condition is by using mouthguards that can help protect the teeth from pressure.
How to Prevent Cavities?
While it is important to get a cavity filling near you, there are several ways you can prevent teeth cavities:
- Brush and floss at least two times per day.
Brushing is an important part of the prevention process. If you brush after every meal and use a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits comfortably in your hand, you should be able to keep up with regular cleaning daily.
Flossing removes food particles and prevents gum disease, which can lead to tooth decay. Start in the back of your mouth, where you’ll find more plaque than anywhere else. If you’ve got a deep pocket, use a small-headed interdental brush that fits into it easily without pushing too hard against sensitive areas like gums or nerves in the jawbone area.
- Schedule regular dental exams and cleanings.
The American Dental Association recommends that adults see their dentist bi-annually for a routine checkup and more frequently if they have other signs of gum disease or cavity formation.
- Rinse after meals or snacks.
Rinsing your mouth with water after a meal or snack is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay. It also helps clean away food particles stuck between teeth, which could lead to cavities.
- Follow a diet rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A
You can get calcium from dairy products, green, leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals. Phosphorus comes from meat, fish, and eggs; it’s also found in nuts. Vitamin A is in dark green leafy vegetables, carrots, and other orange-colored fruits like apricots or mangoes.
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.
Smoking is a major risk factor for oral cancer, and tobacco use can cause tooth loss. It also causes gum disease, bad breath, and other problems that affect your entire body. So if you’re going to smoke or use tobacco products, quit now.
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Visit Dental Care South for more information about cavities and how you can prevent them.