You could be brushing your teeth twice, avoiding sugary foods and still ending up with a cavity. This can be extremely frustrating to deal with. Most people have had a cavity at least once in their lives. It is a common notion amongst people that cavities in teeth are caused due to eating way too many sweets. While this may hold true for some cases, not all people get cavities from sugary foods. Getting a cavity from consuming too many sweets is a major reason for your teeth getting cavities. This is true, but it’s also not the only reason behind that pesky cavity.
Cavities are teeny tiny areas of tooth decay which, if left untreate,d could get deeper or bigger. They begin as a small hole or pit in a tooth where acid or bacteria have attacked the enamel.
To avoid spending all your money at the dentist’s for cavity treatment, learn what is causing them and how you can prevent them!
- Bad Brushing or Flossing: You might think you are maintaining the highest level of oral hygiene, but you aren’t following all the steps needed. It is essential to brush your teeth twice a day, morning and night. This removes plaque and plaque acids that have built up throughout the day. Many people follow brushing twice but skip flossing! Make sure you floss at least once daily. It will help you reach the nooks and crannies where the toothbrush can’t reach.
- Carbohydrates and Acids: Sugar isn’t the only culprit responsible for cavity in your teeth, there are others as well. Food groups which have a high acidic concentrate and are high in carbohydrates are also harmful. Acids can weaken your enamel while carbs fuel the bacteria, allowing them to thrive.
- Dry Mouth: People with dry mouths are more prone to getting cavities. The saliva present inside our mouths helps neutralise acids and rinse away cavity-causing bacteria. Dry mouth has low saliva, bacteria and acids are left lingering around to cause damage to the enamel, leading to damage.
Take good care of your teeth and consult a dentist for tips on preventing cavities!