What Causes Cavities and How to Prevent Them?

A cavity is a serious issue requiring treatment to prevent pain and other dental issues from arising. Cavities are tiny openings or holes that develop on the hard surface of your teeth, also called tooth decay. They are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, the consumption of too many sweets and sugary drinks and a poor oral hygiene routine. 

Cavities are very common, especially in children and teenagers, but everyone can get cavities, including infants. If a dentist does not treat a cavity, it will get larger and become painful as it starts to affect the deeper layers of your teeth. Cavities can lead to severe toothaches, infections and even tooth loss, so you must do everything possible to avoid this situation. Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings is a must, as are proper brushing and flossing habits. 

How Cavities Are Formed?

Cavities are caused by tooth decay which is a process that occurs over time, and the following will highlight the process and how cavities are formed:

• The accumulation of plaque – Dental plaque is a clear, sticky film that can coat your teeth. Eating too many sugary and starchy foods and not cleaning your teeth properly can lead to plaque accumulation, and if this is not removed, bacteria will start to feed on your teeth. If plaque remains on your teeth, it will harden and become tartar, and only a dentist can remove this from your teeth. 
• Plaque attack – Once plaque is present in your teeth, the acids will remove minerals in your tooth’s hard, outer enamel, leading to tiny openings or holes in your enamel, which is the first stage of a cavity. Once your enamel wears away, the bacteria and acid can reach the next layer of your teeth called dentin, a soft layer less resistant to acid. Dentin is directly connected with the tooth’s nerve; if it is exposed, you will experience sensitivity.
• Destruction – If tooth decay develops, the bacteria and acid will continue to affect your teeth. They will eventually reach the inner tooth material called pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Bacteria will cause the pulp to become swollen and irritated, and you will experience both pain and discomfort. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Cavities?

Every patient will experience different symptoms based on the extent of their cavity and its location. You may not experience any symptoms during the early stages of a cavity, but as it starts to grow, you may experience any of the following:

• toothache or pain that occurs for no apparent reason
• tooth sensitivity
• mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold
• staining on the surface of your teeth (brown, black or white)
• noticeable holes or pits in your teeth
• pain when biting

If you think a cavity is forming in your mouth, you must contact a dentist right away for treatment. Even if you think your teeth and gums are fine, you must still visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings because a dentist can detect problems you cannot see and will provide treatment before the issue becomes severe. 

What Causes Cavities?

Everyone is at risk of developing cavities, although the following factors can increase the risk of a cavity:

• Certain foods and drinks – Foods that cling to teeth for a long time are more likely to cause decay because saliva does not wash them away easily. Milk, honey, cookies, hard candy and chips are foods clinging to your teeth. 

• Tooth location – Decay tends to occur in your back teeth because these teeth have grooves, pits and crannies, all of which can collect food particles. These teeth are harder to clean than your front teeth which are smoother and easy to reach. 

• Frequent sipping and snacking – If you sip sugary drinks regularly or steadily snack, your mouth will produce acids that attack your teeth, which will wear them down. Sipping on sugary drinks will create a continual acid cycle over your teeth.

• Poor oral hygiene routine – If you do not clean your teeth properly or fail to complete a proper oral hygiene routine, plaque will remain on your teeth, and cavities will develop. 

• Not getting enough fluoride – Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps prevent cavities and it can even reverse the earliest stages of tooth damage. Fluoride has many benefits for teeth, which is why it is a common ingredient in toothpaste and mouth rinses. 

• Age – Teeth can wear down over time, and gums may recede, making your teeth more vulnerable to root decay. Older adults who use more medications may be at a higher risk of developing cavities because this can reduce saliva flow, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Babies are also at risk if given bedtime bottles filled with milk, formula, or juice, as these beverages will remain on their teeth for hours while they sleep and will feed decay-causing bacteria. 

• Dry mouth – A lack of saliva causes this condition. Saliva is important because it helps prevent tooth decay by washing away food and plaque from your teeth. Additionally, substances found in saliva can help counter the acid produced by bacteria. 

• Worn fillings or dental devices – Dental fillings can weaken and break down over time or develop rough edges. This allows plaque to accumulate more easily, and it will be harder to remove. Dental devices may stop fitting well after a while, allowing decay to begin underneath. 

Cavities must be taken seriously because they can lead to a number of problems. Cavities and tooth decay can have lasting complications, and this is true even for children who don’t have permanent teeth yet. Children can get cavities in their baby teeth, which must be addressed. 

When not treated, cavities can cause pain, swelling or pus around the tooth, damaged or broken teeth, chewing problems and tooth abscesses. When cavities and decay become severe, you may experience pain that interferes with daily living, difficulty eating or chewing or nutrition loss. Depending on the severity of the situation, you may experience tooth loss, which can affect your appearance, confidence levels and self-esteem. 

How To Prevent Cavities? 

A proper oral hygiene routine can help avoid cavities, and the following can help prevent cavities from developing:

• Brush with fluoride toothpaste – Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and don’t forget to floss between your teeth. 
• Rinse your mouth – Using a mouth rinse with fluoride can help prevent cavities, and if your dentist thinks you are at a high risk of developing cavities, they may recommend this step.
• Visit your dentist regularly – Professional teeth cleanings will help you maintain a healthy smile. Your dentist will assess your teeth, and if they detect any signs that may be concerning, they will provide you with treatment. They can spot cavities early on and treat them before they develop and become severe. 
• Eat tooth-healthy foods – Certain foods and drinks are better for your teeth than others. You should avoid foods that get easily stuck in the grooves and pits of your teeth for long periods. If you must eat these foods, brush soon after eating them. Fresh fruits and vegetables can increase saliva flow, while unsweetened coffee, tea and sugar-free gum can help wash away food particles. 
• Consider dental sealants – This protective plastic coating can be applied to the chewing surface of back teeth to seal off grooves and crannies that collect food. These sealants can protect tooth enamel from plaque and acid and last several years before they need to be replaced. 
• Avoid frequent snacking and sipping – When you eat or drink beverages other than water, your mouth bacteria create acids that can destroy tooth enamel. If you snack or drink throughout the day, your teeth will be at constant risk.

Takeaway

Do you think you have a cavity? Mill Street Dental can provide you with treatment. We have been serving patients in Georgetown for many years and will help restore your smile. Whether your cavity results from plaque buildup, eating too many sugary snacks or a poor oral hygiene routine, we will provide you with the right treatment, including dental fillings, root canal therapy or tooth extraction. 

The sooner you contact us to treat your cavity, the higher your chance of success. We care about our patients and will discuss why you got a cavity and which treatment is best. We will tell you what steps you need to take to lower the risk of getting more cavities and which signs you should look out for to detect complications. 

If you are looking for a dentist near you in Georgetown, Mill Street Dental Studio is here at your service! Whether you need a routine dental checkup or an emergency dentist, you can contact us to book your appointment!