Common Causes Of Cavities

Have you ever felt pain or sensitivity while eating food or drinking a beverage? Don't ignore the sign. It might be a message from your teeth to take care of them. We often forget to take care of our smile keeper in our day-to-day life, leading to cavities in our teeth and our smiles. It is important to protect our smile at any cost because that is the only treasure no one can take. Before that, we need to know about the enemies that affect our own signature smile. Continue reading to gain more information!

Decoding Dental Dilemmas: Understanding the Ins and Outs of Cavities

Cavities, also known as caries, are small holes in your teeth caused by the acid produced by bacterial plaque. This can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss if not treated properly.

Cavities are the most common non-communicable disease worldwide. It is estimated that 1 in 4 adults (aged 20-64) are affected by at least one cavity in their lifetime, and over half (52%) of children aged 6 to 8 years experience cavities in their primary teeth.

Types Of Cavities

1. Root cavities: Cavities occur on the root teeth surfaces.
2. Pit and fissure cavities: Cavities occur in the occlusal surfaces of the posterior teeth.
3. Smooth-surface cavities: Cavities occur on smooth surfaces of teeth.

Symptoms Of Cavities

Tooth decay or cavities do not show any symptoms in its early stage; as it advances, it causes the following symptoms, which are given below:

• Toothache (tooth pain): Individuals may experience tooth pain, particularly after drinking or eating hot or cold drinks or foods.
• Tooth sensitivity: You may feel sensitive to cool or hot foods or drinks or even brushing your teeth.
• Swelling: Patients may have swelling in the face due to the infection.
• Fever: Individuals may have a rise in temperature due to the bacterial infection.
• Tooth damage: You may have visible holes or pits with a black or brown stain on the teeth.

6 Common causes of cavities

1. Role of diet: Foods that contain high sugar and carbohydrates (more than four times per day) can increase the risk of cavities in the teeth. Bacterial plaques can convert this sugar into acid, which has the potential to damage the enamel of the teeth and form a hole or pit in them.
2. Pregnancy: Pregnant patients may have an increased risk of developing cavities due to the changes in their eating habits (food cravings).
3. Poor oral hygiene: It leads to the accumulation of bacteria plaque (Streptococcus mutans) in the teeth, which can affect the enamel and cause infection. Poor knowledge of oral health is also a reason for poor oral care, which can lead to tooth loss if untreated properly.
4. Effect of fluoride: Fluoride plays a major role in maintaining tooth health. It prevents tooth damage by making the enamel more resistant to bacterial acid attacks. But when it exceeds, it can change the appearance of enamel (dental fluorosis).
5. Tobacco and alcohol: Consumption of tobacco and excessive alcohol can increase the risk of tooth cavities in individuals by increasing the amount of acid in the mouth and oral dryness.
6. Genetics: It plays a major role in tooth cavities. If you have a family history of dental cavities, you may have an increased chance of getting them. Multiple gene defects in an individual can cause cavities.

5 Pro-tips To Protect Your Teeth

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day after meals.
• Quit smoking and alcohol drinking.
• Limit the sugar intake and have a balanced diet.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups.
• Follow your dentist's advice.

Myths And facts

Myths: Sugar is the only cause of cavities

Facts: Not only sugar can cause cavities. But also other factors like consuming or smoking tobacco and alcohol can increase the risk of cavities. Consuming sugar or carbohydrates can enhance the effect of bacteria due to the excessive amount of acid produced from the sugar.

Myths: Cavity always causes pain.

Facts: Cavities do not show any symptoms at an early stage. It can cause pain, toothache, or sensitivity later only. If you ignore these symptoms, you may get infected and lose your teeth.

Myth: Discoloration of teeth always leads to cavities.

Facts: It's important to recognize that cavities can result in tooth discoloration, But not all discoloration leads to cavities. It can also be caused by food staining, medication, and medical conditions (fluorosis) in individuals.

EndNotes!

Tooth cavities can be prevented and treated early if you identify their risk factors. Always remember that ignoring the symptoms and risk factors of tooth cavities may lead to an increased risk of tooth damage. It is recommended to protect your valuable teeth from cavities by following some simple oral care and proactive steps. I want to remind you that your teeth and smile are precious—never leave them for any reason.

Take care of your teeth, and they will take care of your smile!