Cavities (tooth decay) are permanent holes that form when bacteria break down the enamel on your teeth. To best prevent cavities from forming in your smile, practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly.
Flossing helps reach tight spaces that your toothbrush cannot, such as between the back teeth where food particles and bacteria like to hide. Other prevention strategies include limiting sugary drinks and foods and scheduling regular visits with the Vaughan dentists.
1. They are caused by sugar
As children, we were often warned not to eat too much sugar because it causes cavities. While this is true, sugar is only one factor that contributes to cavity development.
Sugar provides bacteria in the mouth with easy access to fuel. As these microorganisms metabolize it, acids are produced which wear down tooth enamel and eventually form plaque; an invisible film resistant to brushing that forms on teeth surface and leads to damage of an irreparable nature.
Bacteria continue to breed and produce acids, eventually damaging the soft inner tissue known as pulp in our teeth, leading to pain, sensitivity or even throbbing sensations in mild to severe forms. That is why it is vital to brush, floss and visit the dentist regularly for cleanings.
2. They are not a one-size-fits-all problem
Foods often considered healthy can actually contribute to cavities. Dried fruit, for instance, can adhere to teeth and leave behind sugars which bacteria convert into acidic waste which erodes tooth enamel over time and exposes nerves beneath.
Your dentist can detect cavities by inspecting the surface of your teeth, probing for soft spots with dental instruments and taking X-rays. When detected early enough, a cavity can be treated using fillings, thus reversing its damage to your tooth.
However, left untreated cavities can develop to the point of damaging the inner portion of a tooth and creating more serious issues in later years. That is why it’s crucial to practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist on a regular basis!
3. They are largely preventable
Cavities are among the most prevalent dental problems worldwide, yet are easily preventable through oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice daily and flossing daily with mouthwash swishing. Doing these simple things regularly will greatly lower your risk of cavities.
Even “healthy” foods can contribute to cavities, such as dried fruit or juice that leaves sugar on your teeth for extended periods, or acidic beverages like coffee and tea which wear away at your enamel. Hydration is key, since dehydration makes it more difficult for salivary glands to fight bacteria that lead to cavities.
Regular dental visits are key in the fight against cavities, as they help identify issues like gingivitis and early stage cavities before they progress further. Learn how to stop cavities now by scheduling a visit with your local dentist!
4. They do not heal on their own
A cavity is a hole in your tooth that can lead to serious dental problems. Cavities form when bacteria digest food and produce acid that erodes tooth enamel, leaving your inner tooth exposed and eventually reaching into dentin (the middle layer) and ultimately nerves.
Tooth decay can be extremely uncomfortable, especially if its damage affects nerves nearby. Therefore, early treatment for cavities should be prioritized to limit further damage.
As one of the more preventable dental issues, cavities can often be avoided by taking good care in maintaining a diet low in sugar – such as by limiting or eliminating sugary beverages – which will decrease your chance of cavities significantly.
5. They are not painful
A cavity is a permanent hole in the hard surface of a tooth caused by bacteria that feed on sugars and produce acids that wear away at enamel, eventually reaching into its inner core (pulp).
Untreated pulp damage can result in pain, swelling, redness and even tooth loss; hence the importance of daily plaque removal and good dental hygiene practices.
Regular visits to your dentist for checkups and cleanings are crucial, particularly with children as their diets put them at greater risk of cavities than adults. Regular dental exams provide your dentist an opportunity to detect problems early, making treatments much simpler. Regular checkups also allow your dentist to spot cavities early enough that treatment can begin as soon as they arise, helping protect young lives from dental decay.
