What Causes Cavities? Tips and Tricks for Preventing Teeth Demineralization
Oral hygiene is extremely important to overall health. Untreated cavities can lead to infections and life-threatening abscesses. These painful and expensive conditions can be avoided with regular dental checkups and cleanings. Still, a fear of the dentist often keeps people from getting necessary preventative dental care.
Many people feel uneasy about the mysteries surrounding cavities and tooth decay. The fear stems from uncertainty about what causes cavities and how they can be treated. Discover the reassuring world of cavity prevention with insights from the experts at Mint Dental in Portland, Oregon.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Main Cause of Cavities?
- 5 Contributors To Demineralization and the Formation of Cavities
- FAQs Regarding Cavities
- How To Treat a Cavity
- Mint Dental Works: Offering Cavity Treatment and Prevention in Our LEED Offices
What Is the Main Cause of Cavities?
There are two main causes of cavities — weak enamel and bateria.
Cavities are a very common problem. According to the Association of Healthcare Journalists, a 2015 study showed that 9 out of 10 working-age Americans had cavities. Keep reading to learn more about the main causes of cavities.
Demineralization of Enamel
Without proper oral hygiene, plaque can form on tooth enamel. This plaque is created by leftover food and sugar left on teeth.
The mouth is full of bacteria, both good and harmful. Plaque feeds harmful bacteria, which creates an acidic environment in the mouth. This acid eats away at your teeth.
The first signs of demineralization are white calcium spots on the enamel. Then the enamel begins to stain as it is eroded and leached of minerals. Finally, the acid forms a hole in the enamel and eat through to the dentin, which is how a cavity is formed.
Genetic Predisposition
The unfortunate reality is that genetic predisposition does play into how likely you are to get cavities. Things like childhood illnesses and access to fluoride during tooth development can also impact how your adult teeth form and the thickness of the enamel.
Some people just have naturally thin enamel with a low mineral count or naturally acidic mouth flora. For those people, regular visits to the dentist are especially important.
5 Contributors To Demineralization and the Formation of Cavities
#1: Insufficient Oral Hygiene
The first contributing factor to teeth demineralization is the most obvious — poor oral hygiene. This is especially true with young children and the elderly.
Good oral hygiene includes brushing and flossing twice a day, with regular trips to the dentist. Regular dental check-ups can prevent cavities from growing into painful and potentially dangerous infections.
In addition, how you are brushing and flossing matters. Fluoride toothpaste helps with remineralization. Unless told otherwise by your dentist, use an electric toothbrush. They are better at removing plaque than manual toothbrushes and can come with a timer to ensure you brush long enough.
#2: Poor Nutrition
Whether it be soda, coffee, or a variety of other beverages, we Americans sure do love our sugary drinks! Unfortunately, a diet full of sugar, starches, and acid leads directly to tooth decay. Even with proper oral hygiene, it can be hard to combat the effect a sugary diet has on mouth bacteria. Increased sugar intake leads to increased bacteria growth and acidity, which demineralizes teeth and causes cavities. A healthy smile is just one of the many benefits of a healthy, low-sugar diet.
#3: Dry Mouth
We all know that sugar is the main cause of cavities. But did you know that dry mouth is also a big contributor to tooth demineralization and cavities? This is due to the enzyme lysozyme, which is present in saliva.
Lysozyme is part of your immune system and a natural anti-bacterial. It slows the growth of plaque and bacteria in your mouth, saving your teeth from acidic damage. If your mouth doesn’t have enough saliva, lysozyme cannot do its job. This is an especially common problem among the elderly.
To prevent dry mouth, practice breathing through your nose. Some people even sleep with tape over their lips to force them to breathe through their nose while sleeping!
#4: Teeth Grinding
Grinding your teeth, also called bruxism, affects approximately 30% of adults. Clenching and grinding your teeth most often happens at night, but its effects last well into the daytime. In addition to causing headaches, neck pain, and sleep loss, bruxism is very damaging to dental health.
Bruxism can cause enamel erosion through constant grinding. It can also cause teeth to chip and break, requiring restorative dental work. If you suffer from bruxism, talk to your dentist about a night guard for sleeping.
#5: Change in Routine
Sometimes life gets unpredictable. Career changes, updated school schedules, moving to a new city — all of these things can impact your day-to-day life and cause you to neglect your dental hygiene. Major life changes may also cause stress-related eating behaviors, leading you to eat more sugary and starchy foods.
In addition, stress causes immune responses that impact dental health. These include acid reflux, gum inflammation, and bruxism or teeth grinding.
If you find yourself in this situation, remember, stress is a natural part of life. Consider incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, and schedule an appointment with Mint Dental Works, a SE Portland dental practice known for their caring professionals who strive to make your visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
FAQs Regarding Cavities
Cavities are feared, but they are also misunderstood. We’ve gathered some common questions about cavities and how they are treated.
How Do I Know If I’m Getting a Cavity?
Early signs of cavities can be subtle. Initially, demineralization may manifest as white spots on the tooth. As it progresses, the tooth may start to stain, indicating a decrease in enamel’s acid resistance.
Once the bacteria and acid pass through the enamel and into the dentin, a cavity is formed and for some may become painful. Other symptoms of a cavity may include:
- Sensitivity to cold, hot, sweet, or sticky things
- Visible holes or black/brown areas
- Pain while biting, chewing, etc.
If you experience any of these symptoms, the cavity has progressed to the point where seeking dental treatment is advisable.
Can a Cavity Go Away?
Cavities can be prevented in their early stages. If you notice demineralization in your tooth enamel, you can take steps to prevent cavity-causing bacteria from gaining a foothold. This includes enhancing your dental hygiene routine and using fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash.
Once a cavity has advanced to where the enamel is worn down to the dentin, it’s time to visit the dentist. Acting promptly upon discovering a cavity is crucial, as smaller and less developed cavities are much easier to treat than abscesses or tooth infections.
What Foods Cause Cavities?
Here is a list of some of the worst foods for dental health:
- Candy and Sugary Treats: The first is the most obvious. Sugar directly feeds bad bacteria in the mouth. The worst offenders are sticky candies, like taffy or caramels, because they can stick to enamel. If you are going to eat candies, find ones that leave the mouth quickly or brush your teeth right after.
- Starchy, Sticky Foods: We all know that sugar is bad for your teeth, but what about potato chips? Simple carbs like starches are some of the worst things for dental health because they help develop plaque.
- Carbonated Soft Drinks: These yummy beverages come with a double whammy for teeth — not only are they full of sugar, but they are also acidic. Both of these can wear down tooth enamel and allow cavity-causing bacteria to grow.
How Do I Stop Getting Cavities?
To reduce your time in the dentist’s chair, you need to adjust your oral hygiene habits:
- Brush for at least two minutes, twice a day. Consider using a high-quality electric toothbrush and change the brush head regularly.
- Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to aid in remineralizing your teeth.
- Floss daily.
- Limit consumption of sugar and simple starches.
- Schedule regular dental cleanings.
How To Treat a Cavity
If you suspect a cavity is developing, schedule an appointment with your dentist promptly. During your consultation, your dentist will recommend the most suitable treatment. Small cavities can typically be addressed with fillings, a procedure that involves removing the affected tooth area and filling it. At Mint Dental Works, we provide mercury-free fillings for your peace of mind.
For larger cavities or cases involving infection, a root canal procedure may be necessary. In rare instances, a cavity may require tooth extraction.
Mint Dental Works: Offering Cavity Treatment and Prevention in Our LEED Offices
Looking for a great dentist in Portland, OR? Look no further than Mint Dental Works. Our conveniently located SE Portland office was the first LEED-certified dentist’s office in the country. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is considered the gold standard in green buildings. Mint Dental Works is committed to providing patients with the best dental care in an environmentally friendly office.
Whether you need a cavity filled, a regular cleaning, or are considering cosmetic dentistry, the staff at Mint Dental Works can help. Give us a call or check out our website today.
The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.