Cavities aren’t just caused from eating sugar or sweets, although sugar is an essential ingredient that can lead to dental problems. To better understand why people get cavities, let’s break down what they are.
Cavities are little holes in the surface of your teeth, created as a result of tooth decay from the outer surface (also referred to as enamel) getting damaged/distressed. If a cavity is not treated, it will grow, and can create pain or infection in your mouth.
Although sugar is one of the most significant contributors to cavities, there are many other factors that contribute to the prevalence of cavities.
Various Factors for Tooth Decay
- Neglecting to Clean Your Mouth Correctly
Failure to brush and floss regularly leads to plaque accumulation on your teeth, which forms a sticky substance made up of bacteria that leads to decay over time if not cleaned off in a timely manner. - Insufficient Saliva
Saliva is one of the body’s natural defenses against getting cavities, but when the mouth does not produce enough saliva it limits the ability of the body to remove food debris and acid thus increasing the possibility of developing tooth decay. - Consuming High Acidic Foods and Beverages
High acid content is found in items such as soda, Gatorade, fruit juices, etc., and over time, acidic foods and beverages break down the protective coating (enamel) of our teeth. Also, snacking multiple times a day gives bacteria a chance to create damage to our teeth through the production of acids. - Unhealthy Foods
Low vitamin/mineral foods weaken our teeth (e.g., calcium is essential in developing strong enamel). If we do not consume enough healthy foods, then we will increase the occurrence of cavity development. - Failing to Have a Routine Dental Examination
Having routine dental examination allows the dentist to find early signs of cavity development and therefore give you appropriate treatment (fillings) and/or advice about how to maintain proper oral hygiene (cleaning).
How to Avoid Getting Cavities
Cavitations (cavities) can be avoided by doing these five things:
- Brush teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste no less frequently than two times a day.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day.
- Consume fewer sweet and acidic foods.
- Drink lots of pure water without carbonation.
- See your dentist every six months or more often, if recommended by your dentist.
Also, early detection could prevent you from experiencing pain and from incurring excessive treatment costs. So, taking care of your teeth today means keeping a nice smile for many years into the future!
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, sugar is a major cause of cavities, but it is not the only one. Poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, acidic drinks, and diet also play important roles. Therefore, maintaining healthy habits and regular dental visits are essential for a bright and healthy smile.
If you are experiencing tooth pain or want to protect your smile, don’t wait. Schedule your appointment today at https://hellosmilestudio.com/
or call (973) 993-7020. Your healthy smile starts with the right care.
