Causes of Cavities

At some point in time, either during childhood or our adult years, we have spent time in a dentist chair to get a cavity filled. It is normal to have bacteria in our mouths that do not cause any harm or decay to our oral hygiene or teeth. Unfortunately, some of the bacteria, along with other factors, can be harmful and lead to cavities which are formally called dental caries. A cavity is exactly what it sounds like, a hole in your tooth. If they go unfilled, it can cause more damage that can be harder to fix in the long run. Here are some of the leading causes of cavities and what we can do to fix them.

A cavity will not form over night, but instead go through a process which results in the cavity. The bacteria in your mouth can become harmful which creates an acid that causes the creation of a hole in your tooth. The bad bacterium in your mouth attaches itself to the hard enamel covering your teeth which is the first start of the harmful process. The bacteria can then start to multiply and cause plaque which causes the erosion of the tooth which results in the hole, or cavity.

Unfortunately, sugary foods can increase the process of erosion and tooth decay. Just as people get energy to live on through food calories, the harmful bacteria gets its energy from sugary foods such as candy. Cavities are common in children because they are known to eat a lot of candy and do not always brush their teeth or do an adequate job. It is important for parents and dentists to teach children at a young age the importance of brushing their teeth.

There are other factors besides sugary foods which can cause cavities. Some factors are medical conditions that decrease the amount of saliva in your mouth which can lead to cavities. Other factors include eating a poor diet or smoking for example. You can minimize the amount of dental caries by eating properly, eating less sugary foods, and brushing after every meal. You should not be embarrassed in any way if you do have cavities, because most people will have one in their lifetime.

If cavities go untreated, the damage and pain can become really bad. A cavity is treated by having it filled. If it is really bad, you may have to undergo a procedure in which a dental laser diode may be used to perform soft tissue therapy for example. You may also need a crown or root canal at some point. If a cavity is left untreated the worst case scenario would be to have the tooth removed. You can prevent such scenarios by taking care of your teeth, going to the dentist at the sign of pain, and having your teeth cleaned twice a year by your dentist.