Top 5 Causes of Dental Cavities

Oct 12, 2017 | Dental Tips

Not many people know that tooth decay and cavity are two different things. These two dental problems are basically different stages of tooth damage process. Cavities are a later stage of tooth decay. Cavities are crevices or holes created in teeth. Thankfully, the issue is greatly preventable.

Let us discuss what causes cavities and how you can keep the pain and the discomfort of cavities at bay.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Brushing twice a day is not enough to ensure oral health. Flossing your teeth on a daily basis is also vital to keep your mouth healthy. Failure to maintain oral hygiene can lead to bacterial growth. These bacteria then lead to various dental issues like bad breath, gum diseases, tooth decay and plaque.

Effect of Foods and Drinks

Eating acidic foods or having foods and drinks that are high on sugar content can increase the likelihood of developing dental cavities. Food items like pickles, energy drinks, sodas, smoothies, cookies, chocolates and candies are some of the sugary and acidic items. And the condition gets worse when you don’t clean your mouth well after consuming these items. The remains of sugar get trapped in your mouth and feed bacteria that further leads to dental cavities.

Plaque Buildup

The bacteria in your mouth can be held responsible for the plaque formation. Plaque when not cleaned can harden into tartar. Removing tartar is not possible without the help of a dentist in Lambton Shores. The bacteria in the tartar film can eventually break down and dissolve the external hard surface of teeth enamel. People who have issues with their enamel are more likely to develop dental cavities.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth as name suggests is a condition where a person’s mouth remains dry most of the times because of lack of saliva production. Saliva is not only good for digestion but it also reduces the chances of dental issues. Saliva prevents the harmful bacteria from causing tooth issues. A person suffering from dry mouth doesn’t have this ability to fight the bacteria and is more at risk of developing dental cavities.

Tooth Grinding

Grinding your teeth has poor effects on your dental health. Many people have this habit of teeth grinding. Grinding causes immense stress on teeth and gums and this damages the teeth enamel. And as discussed above, people with enamel issues can easily develop cavities as the inner areas of teeth are exposed to damages.

Now that you know the causes of tooth cavities, you must take proper care of your teeth and avoid things that are harmful for your oral health. You can also Visit Lambton Shores Dental Clinic to keep cavities and other dental problems at bay.