What Really Causes Cavities?

Cavities. It is a nasty word, especially when you hear your child has one, or two. For some people, cavities just happen. No matter how much you brush and floss, they still get cavities. Other people never get a cavity at all. Sometimes you wonder if it is not so much what you eat and how you brush, but if something else might cause those nasty little holes.

In short, cavities are caused when a tooth starts to decay. Left untreated, a cavity can grow bigger and deeper. A cavity left untreated in a primary tooth can cause serious problems to the underlying adult tooth. So, when you think you might have a cavity, or your dentist tells you have one, you are better off getting it repaired as soon as you can.

The number reason why most people get cavities is from plaque. Plaque is the sticky substance that adheres to your teeth and causes decay. When you have bacteria in your mouth, it sticks to your teeth and the acid from it will rot the enamel of your tooth. In time, the acids continue making the hole in your tooth bigger, causing pain and causing a cavity. It is important to remember that some levels of plaque and bacteria in your mouth are normal and that some people may have a harder enamel surface than others. This means that people with a thin enamel surface may brush and floss and visit their dentist regularly, but they are more prone to getting cavities.

Sometimes when you go in for a check up at the dentist office, it is difficult to see whether or not you have a cavity just by looking. Your dentist will examine your teeth and perform a series of x-rays. Cavities often show up on an x-ray as a dark spot on a tooth or in between two teeth. Your dentist will want to repair it right away. When cavities are filled, you will receive an injection of anesthetic and then the dentist will remove the spot with a drill. The area will then be filled.

While you can never completely prevent getting cavities, there are some things you can do to lower your chances.

Avoid sticky foods and foods that are easily trapped in your teeth. Sweet foods can cause cavities, but so can sticky foods such as raisins. Crackers also get stuck in the small crevices on the surface of your teeth. If you do eat these types of foods, make sure you brush and floss after you are finished eating.

Use toothpaste that contains fluoride and floss each day. You should brush after each time you eat and you should also floss once a day. This helps cut down on the amount of plaque that sticks to your teeth.

See you dentist twice a year. Your dentist wants you to come in for a check up every six months. You will have your teeth cleaned and examined. This is when your dentist will check for cavities and other problems with your teeth. If you wait too long between dental visits, you could have more serious problems.