Depending upon the amount of care that you give to your teeth, cavities may occur at different periods of time for different people. For children who eat a lot of sweets, dental cavities are likely to arise at an early age if they do not protect their teeth by brushing them in the morning and at night. Similarly, dental cavities can also occur in young people and is one of the prime reasons for tooth loss. To understand how to take care of dental cavities, it is important to know what causes them.
Cavities usually happen because of tooth decay, which is the deterioration of the structure of your tooth. This could both affect the dentin and enamel. This occurs when foods particles are left on the teeth for extended periods of time. The bacteria dwelling within your mouth digest such foods and convert it into acids. When bacteria, saliva, food debris, and acid combine they form plaque that holds onto the teeth. Plaque releases acids thus dissolving the surface of your tooth enamel creating holes called caries or cavities. It seems like a small thing, but your whole body is affected. Below are the top causes of dental cavities:
- Poor oral health – Good dental health involves regular tooth brushing and flossing. Ballwin dentists suggest doing it two times a day, once during the morning and once before bedtime. Cavities happen when the bacteria create acids, which damage your tooth enamel. Regular brushing eliminates and controls the development of plaque.
- Poor diet – Foods high in starch and sugar are what bacteria love most. It is a fun feast for them. In just about 20 minutes, they immediately transform it into acid.
- Fluoride deficiency – Fluoride helps in fighting as well as in preventing tooth decay. It helps protect your tooth enamel. Toothpaste and rinses containing fluoride can coat your teeth in a protective layer to help stop cavities from forming.
- Smoking – Everyone is aware that cigarette smoking is dangerous to one’s health. Aside from that, this habit could also be held accountable to dental cavities. Even non-smokers are prone to developing cavities if second-hand smoke is inhaled.
If dental cavities are caught in their early stages, the damage can be significantly limited and can even be repaired through appropriate treatment. These facts about cavities should not just be mere knowledge. You need to take action to prevent dental cavities. You should also have regular check-ups by your dentist to avoid the formation of dental cavities.
