What Causes Cavities and How You Can Prevent Them!

It's easy to believe that children are the only ones who have to worry about cavities, but research suggests that tooth decay is just as prevalent in adults. In fact, adults over the age of fifty might even experience more tooth decay as their gums recede and the roots of their teeth become exposed, which is why dental care is essential at every age.

Unfortunately, if you wait until your mouth is in pain to worry about cavities, the result may be costly dental work and far more pain than if you'd taken care of your teeth to begin with.

What Causes Cavities?

Your mother might have told you that your teeth will rot out of your head if you don't brush, and she wasn't far from the truth. When you eat foods that are high in sugar and other carbohydrates, the bacteria that occurs naturally in your mouth will flourish. Failing to brush your teeth and avoiding regular trips to the dentist encourages bacteria growth, which eventually will destroy your tooth enamel and cause your teeth to decay.

Acording to the American Dental Association, cavities are holes in your tooth enamel caused by the dissolution of that material, often exposing the root of the teeth and causing considerable pain. Even if you don't experience any discomfort, however, the decay won't stop until you've had the cavity filled by a dentist. Cavities are also called "dental carries", and are essentially the product of tooth decay.

How Can You Prevent Cavities?

There are several ways in which you can stave off the process of tooth decay and prevent cavities, but you must be committed to dental hygiene. First, of course, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, though some people make the effort to brush after every meal. Using a toothpaste with fluoride or a fluoride supplement will also help stop the process of tooth decay.

Additionally, flossing at least once a day will help remove the food particles that get stuck between your teeth, and it's a good idea to visit the dentist once every six months. If you think that you might be more inclined to develop cavities, you can ask your dentist about sealants, which help guard the tooth surface from plaque.

Unfortunately, cavities can sneak up on you without warning, and you might not realize that you are developing cavities or encouraging tooth decay until it's too late to stop the breakdown of enamel. Your best bet is to commit to regular dental care, and to visit your dentist as soon as you believe you might be developing cavities.

SOURCES:

American Dental Association, Tooth Decay