Dental cavities can happen to the best of us. They are more common than you’d expect. Tooth cavity is an early form of tooth decay, wherein the hard surface of the tooth develops tiny openings or holes. These holes, when left untreated, can become large and permanently damaged and affect the deeper layers of the teeth. This can lead to infection, severe toothache, and even tooth loss.
Tooth Cavity causes:
Tips to prevent tooth cavities:
Cavities in teeth are commonly accelerated by frequent snacking, not rinsing your mouth well after a meal, not cleaning your teeth properly, and consuming sugary drinks or foods. Initially, oral cavities may not induce any symptoms. But later on, depending on their severity, they may cause symptoms such as:
Spontaneous pain in the teeth without an apparent cause
Mild to severe pain when drinking or eating something cold, hot, or sweet
Sensitivity in the tooth
Visible holes or gaps in your teeth
Stains on the surface of the teeth - brown, black or white
Pain when you take a bite of food
Cavities do not occur overnight. Tooth decay is a process that happens over time. So, what causes cavities? Well, there is a combination of factors responsible for it. And to protect your teeth, you need to explore in-depth all those causes -
Specific drinks and foods:
Foods loaded with sugar and starch can cause tooth decay. These foods stick to your teeth and lead to plaque and decay. Common foods in this list include bread, milk, chocolates, raisins, cereal, honey, and more.
Frequent snacking:
Many weight loss tips suggest eating small meals throughout the day for faster metabolism. But that is not good news for your teeth. Frequent snacking can lead to acid buildup and damage the teeth faster. What you can do is brush your teeth after every main meal. This will prevent the buildup of plaque and avoid cavities and tooth decay.
Receding gums:
If your gums are not strong and healthy, they can start receding, and lead to plaque-formation near the roots of the teeth. The roots are vulnerable to decay because they are not protected by tooth enamel, leading to not only cavities but other gum diseases as well.
Now that you know what causes cavities, you need a good dental care routine and a healthy lifestyle to prevent them. These are the tips that will help you keep your teeth strong and healthy -
Brush thoroughly:
Avoid plaque buildup in the mouth. Brush your teeth twice a day and have a proper oral hygiene routine to keep them clean. Use soft-bristled toothbrushes such as Oral-B to make sure you remove all the plaque, and also preserve the enamel.
Use a mouthwash:
After brushing, make sure you rinse the mouth thoroughly with a dental-recommended mouthwash that kills the bacteria and prevents plaque formation. It will help to nip tooth decay and oral cavities right in the bud.
Floss after:
If you want to get to the root (literally) and remove the hidden plaque that accelerates tooth decay and cavities, then floss well. You can do it once or twice a day after brushing to make sure your teeth are super clean. For best results, use waxed floss.
Tooth decay is normal but can be prevented. If the cavities are large and causing severe pain, please consult a dentist. It is crucial to have a proper oral hygiene routine in place and look after your teeth well. You can do that with the help of advanced dental products such as Oral-B electric toothbrushes that keep teeth trouble at bay and provide superior tooth-care.
Read and learn more about Tooth decay and Cavities at Oral-B India.
