Did you know that over 70% of children between the ages of five and eleven have cavities? Without preventive care and good oral health habits, cavities can damage your child’s teeth and lead to more severe complications.
In the end, cavities are very painful and, depending on their severity, might require you to get dental issues to work. Cavities are known as the most common cause of tooth loss.
This article will analyze the causes of cavities by practicing good oral hygiene habits, tooth protection, and using protective dental appliances. The question remains — what are the leading causes of cavities? Please keep reading to learn why cavities develop and for cavity prevention as well as repair them.
Poor Dental Hygiene
When plaque and bacteria are allowed to build up on teeth, they can create tiny holes in the enamel. These holes are called cavities and can eventually lead to tooth decay and infection.
It is found in the molars and premolars, the teeth in the back of the mouth because they are more challenging to reach with a toothbrush. Poor dental hygiene can also lead to gum disease, which can cause even more damage to the teeth and gums.
Overeating Sugar
It is no secret that overeating sugar can cause cavities. When combined with the natural bacteria in your mouth, acid attacks the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Eating sugary foods and drinks frequently, especially without brushing afterward, puts you at a greater risk for cavities.
Other foods that can contribute to cavities include starchy carbohydrates like bread and chips and sticky foods like dried fruit and candy. Reducing sugary foods and drinks is an excellent place to start if you want to avoid cavities.
Acidic Drinks
When you drink something acidic, it can wear away at the enamel on your teeth. It can make your teeth more susceptible to cavities. Acidic drinks can also cause cavities by making it easier for bacteria to grow.
Drinking something acidic can change the pH in your mouth, making it more acidic. It can make it harder for your saliva to neutralize the acids and wash them away. See a dentist near me for regular checkups.
Smoking
When you smoke, the nicotine and tar in the cigarettes stick to your teeth and gums, which can cause gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss.
Smoking also decreases the saliva in your mouth, which helps to keep your teeth clean and healthy. Saliva is full of minerals that help to neutralize the acids in your mouth that can break down your tooth enamel.
The Most Common Causes of Cavities
The leading causes of cavities are poor dental hygiene and sugary and acidic drinks. To avoid cavities, brush your teeth twice daily, floss daily, and visit the dentist regularly. If you have a cavity, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
However, if you are still suffering from cavities and tooth pain after reading this article and want to know more about what causes cavities and how to treat them, we are here to help. Visit our other blogs about oral hygiene and learn.