What Causes Cavities and How Can You Prevent Them?

Nearly everyone knows what a dental cavity is. Dental cavities are one of the most common dental problems among children and adults, and they are one of the main things you hope not to have when you visit the dentist. Fear of possible cavities is likely one of the main reasons people avoid going to the dentist. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a significant portion of the population has untreated dental cavities. This includes:

• 13.2% of children ages 5 to 19 years

• 25.9% of adults ages 20 to 44 years

• 25.3% of adults ages 45 to 64 years

• 20.2% of adults ages 65 and older

With nearly 1 in 4 people walking around with an untreated dental cavity, there is a clear need for better efforts at treatment and prevention. You probably already know that a cavity is a hole in your tooth, but do you know what causes a cavity? Further, what are the best ways you can prevent cavities from forming or keep them from getting worse?

What Causes Dental Cavities?

Dental cavities are a pit or a hole in the hard surface of your tooth caused by decay that gradually develops. Cavities can cause sensitivity or pain in your teeth when left untreated. They may also progress into more serious dental problems as they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth.

Tooth decay happens as a result of dental plaque, a clear, sticky film that sits on the surface of the teeth. Plaque forms when you consume sugary or starchy foods and drinks and do not brush properly. Bacteria begin feeding on the plaque which can harden over time and develop into tartar. You can brush your teeth to remove the sticky plaque but once plaque hardens into tartar, your dentist must remove it.

As bacteria feed on the plaque in your mouth, it erodes your tooth enamel, the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth. The erosion leaves behind tiny holes in the enamel, the initial stage of a dental cavity. These holes leave your teeth open to ongoing attacks from bacteria. They continue moving deeper through the layers of your teeth until they reach the pulp, or the nerve , which causes discomfort and tooth pain and eventually leads to an infection.

You can slow or reverse the effects of plaque and bacteria if you catch them early enough. However, if bacteria have time to erode your enamel and leave a cavity, you must have your dentist repair the damage. Some of the factors that contribute to cavity formation include: 

• Poor oral hygiene

• Genetics

• Nutrition

• Digestive issues such as heartburn

• Saliva consistency

• Dry mouth

• Tooth location

• Clenching or grinding

• Gingival recession

Your dentist can help diagnose other contributing factors to your cavities and guide you in the right direction. 

How Can You Prevent Cavities?

You can take different preventive measures to avoid the formation of dental cavities. A healthy oral hygiene routine is crucial to keep your teeth strong and free of plaque and tartar. What are some things you can do to prevent tooth decay and cavities?

Brush and Floss Daily

Your dentist does not recommend you brush at least twice a day and floss daily for no reason. These practices help you stay on top of plaque and reduce the likelihood of it hardening into tartar.

Rinse With Good Mouthwash

Brushing and flossing are the foundation of good oral hygiene and a good mouthwash that suits your oral needs provides a third layer of defense. Mouthwash reduces the likelihood of residual bacteria sticking around your teeth after brushing and flossing your teeth. Selecting an alcohol-free antimicrobial mouthwash that targets killing the bad bacteria in the mouth is essential. Alcohol in mouthwash can dry out your mouth and saliva is important in limiting the amount of bacterial buildup. Consult with your dentist to see which type of mouthwash is suitable in reducing the level of destructive bacteria in your mouth and helps your oral conditions.

Lower Your Sugar Intake

Frequently snacking on sugary, starchy, and acidic foods and drinks such as sodas, acidic drinks such as energy drinks, and food with added sugar such as hard and sticky candies leaves you more susceptible to plaque buildup on your teeth between morning and nighttime brushing. Additionally, frequency of exposure of your teeth to such food and drinks increases your risk of developing cavities. For instance if you constantly sip on sweet or acidic drinks throughout the day the PH balance in your mouth continuously changes which leads to tooth erosion and cavities formation. 

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water replaces lost minerals, reduces bacteria’s ability to produce acid, helps neutralize the PH of your oral cavity and prevents tooth decay. It also encourages saliva production, and substances in your saliva like calcium and phosphate that help repair tooth enamel.

Keep Up on Regular Dental Cleanings

Make sure you go in for a regular preventive dental cleaning every six months. This not only gives your dentist the chance to remove any tartar buildup, but it also allows them to look out for cavities as well as other risk factors that could lead to dental problems in the long run. They can keep an eye on your oral health and offer advice or guidance if you need additional help.

If it has been a while since you last went to the dentist and you are due for a cleaning, consider scheduling an appointment at Canvas Dental Care in Foothill Ranch, CA. We offer a range of dental services including routine dental cleanings as well as restorative dental procedures such as cavity fillings and more. Call us at (949) 581-4908 or submit an appointment request form today!

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Oral and Dental Health.