Cavities or dental caries are the most common dental problem that affects people of all ages. When the bacteria interacts with the carbohydrates or sugar present in the mouth it metabolizes them and produces acid, which erodes the enamel present in the teeth leading to tooth decay. If this is not treated earlier it can escalate to becoming an infection or tooth loss in severe cases. Many factors can cause cavities and it is essential to understand them so that you can take effective prevention and management methods. For which you can consult Shelby Township family dentist for guidance. Learn about the factors that might be the reason for cavities in you or your family.
Poor Oral Hygiene
If there is no food for the bacteria they will not be able to produce acid which can damage your tooth enamel and hence, cause cavities. For that, you need to remove what they feed on which is sugars and carbohydrates that get stuck in your mouth. If there is no proper brushing and flossing regularly, the particles uncleaned will invite bacteria to feed on them thus causing cavities. Therefore, maintain proper oral hygiene by flossing regularly and brushing your teeth twice to remove particles.
Dietary Choices
A diet lacking essential nutrients required for strong teeth like calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus can make teeth weak and more vulnerable to bacteria attack, while consuming food high in starch and sugary beverages will increase the sugar content in the mouth inviting harmful bacteria to feed on them. If you are having highly acidic food more often it will also contribute to weakening your teeth and more prone to enamel loss. Thus, incorporating food rich in nutrients that help in building strong teeth and avoiding food with high acid content and sugar will be beneficial.
Dry Mouth
To protect your teeth from cavities, saliva plays a significant role there. It will help to wash away food particles and will neutralize acids in your mouth. If there is no saliva this protective barrier will not be there, which will allow the bacteria to feed on the food particles stuck. This is why people with dry mouths are at higher risk of developing cavities. These can occur due to many reasons like certain medications and medical conditions. Lifestyle habits like lack of proper water intake and smoking can also lead to dry mouth.
Genetics
Genetically having weak teeth foundation can be a simple reason the teeth are more prone to decay. What you can do in this condition is to be very vigilant with your dental hygiene and routine. Proper cleanliness will help you prevent it on many levels.
Teeth Grinding Habit
Bruxism or grinding habit which is conscious or unconscious in many people will also contribute to weakening your teeth by wearing off the enamel due to constant grinding. Consult a dentist to solve the issue to prevent your teeth from weakening further.
Excessive Brushing
Over-brushing your teeth or harder cleaning might be a reason for your cavities as it will make your teeth weak and thus more prone to erosion of enamel which will lead to cavities in your mouth. Brushing only for 2 minutes and twice with a gentle bristled brush will help you with essential cleaning and protecting your enamel as well.
Do Not Forget Your Regular Checkups
While understanding these reasons and making sure to tailor your life accordingly, you should maintain your dental visits for guidance from the dentist in prevention care or for the necessary treatment you might need. If there are issues where there is excess enamel loss because it is not doing self-repair due to continuous damage to the surface of the teeth making it weak and hole formation. This will increase tooth sensitivity and will lead to infections.
