Cavities are one of the worst dental issues we face. Even the thought of having one can give you sleepless nights. Here you can know what are the main reasons for having a cavity, why some people have more of these, and what to do if you get one.
What is a Cavity?
In simple words, a cavity or tooth decay is a hole that forms in the tooth. They start small, and if untreated, they can become huge and problematic. Unfortunately, the only way to detect them when they are small is via an appointment at your dentist.
How to Know If You Have a Cavity?
One obvious symptom of a cavity is tooth pain. A visible hole in the teeth or black/white strains on the teeth. Look out for them in a mirror whenever you can or go for a dental exam every few months.
What are the Key Reasons for Having a Cavity?
Bacteria- Bacteria are ever-present in every person’s mouth. But they turn the sugar into acid after you have any food or drink. To get rid of the acid, one needs to brush their teeth thoroughly twice a day.
Plaque- The formation of plaque begins after you eat or drink anything with sugar. If in excess, plaque can stick to your teeth, and the acid present in plaque can erode the tooth enamel. When the tooth enamel weakens, the risk for cavities increases.
Lack of Proper Dental Hygiene- When someone doesn’t brush the teeth or floss daily, it can lead to problems like cavities. However, it can be avoided by following proper dental hygiene.
Why Are Some People More Prone to Cavities?
There are a few reasons why some people are more prone to cavities. Some of them are:
- They consume a lot of acidic/sugary foods and drinks
- They don’t get enough fluoride
- Eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia can also be the reasons
- Dry mouth is also a strong factor
- acid reflux disease is also a cause of concern as it can result in stomach acid wearing down the tooth enamel
- Some people have viscous saliva that might not exhibit the right flow properties to clean the surface of teeth from cavity-causing organisms and the acids produced by them.
- Another reason why some people have more cavities than others is that they have deep grooves on the teeth surface, especially molars, as they entrap biofilms that are usually tougher to remove.
Back Teeth are More Vulnerable
The teeth on the back of the mouth are more vulnerable to cavities as they are harder to reach while brushing and flossing and can also trap food particles.
How to Treat Tooth Cavities?
There are various options available to treat tooth cavities. They vary from tooth fillings to crowns and even root canals. It is always better if a cavity is detected early, as it’s easier to restore the tooth enamel and prevent future tooth decay.
How to Prevent Tooth Cavities?
A few simple things that can help you to avoid a cavity are:
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Floss at least once a day
- Avoid snacking between meals
- Have more fiber-rich foods
- Visit your dentist twice per year for regular cleaning sessions and avoid potential dental issues
For more dental care tips and the best dental care products, visit Dr Rudy’s website here.
References:
https://www.drrudy90210.com/
https://www.healthline.com/find-care/articles/dentists/tooth-cavities
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-do-some-people-get-mo/