Ready for some shocking statistics? 91% of American adults between 20 and 64 years of age have had cavities in their permanent teeth. An additional 25% of people in the U.S. have untreated tooth decay, and 42% of children between 2 and 11 develop a cavity in their baby teeth. While lack of a proper oral hygiene routine and high-sugar diets largely impact these numbers, a thorough understanding of all things cavities can definitely help. Your dentist in Murphy shares what they are, common causes, and prevention tactics you need to know.
What Are Cavities?
When the surface of your tooth has tiny holes or openings from permanent damage, then you have a cavity! They are also referred to as tooth decay or caries, and the FDI World Dental Federation estimates that nearly 100% of adults have it. Unfortunately, these statistics aren’t too surprising considering high-sugar diets and a declining emphasis on a proper oral hygiene routine. However, avoiding the common causes can help move those numbers in the opposite direction!
4 Common Causes
- Lack of a proper oral hygiene routine – When a thorough brushing and flossing routine is skipped, it allows the plaque on your teeth to build and turn into tartar. After finding their way into crevices and hard to reach areas of your mouth, they can cause tooth decay and cavities.
- Frequent snacking – While snacking isn’t inherently bad, it can wreak havoc on your oral hygiene if those food particles are left to linger on your teeth. Therefore, make sure to brush shortly after or sip on water to help dislodge debris from your teeth.
- Consuming sugary beverages – When the sugar from drinks like soda and sports drinks interact with the bacteria in your mouth, it turns into acid. This acid eats away at the strong enamel on your teeth, which results in tooth decay and cavities.
- Dry mouth – Your saliva plays a crucial role in the balance of acid and alkaline in your mouth. If your salivary glands aren’t producing enough saliva, then the alkaline isn’t replenishing as fast as the acid is eroding away. To counteract this, it can be helpful to sip on water throughout the day or chew on sugar-free gum.
6 Prevention Tactics
Like most dental issues, prevention is crucial. After all, you only get one set of adult teeth! Therefore, it is important that you:
- Gently brush for two minutes twice a day.
- Floss daily to dislodge stubborn plaque and food debris.
- Clean your tongue to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Use mouthwash to kill germs that cause bad breath.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for a dental exam and professional cleaning.
- Think of your diet as a part of your oral hygiene routine by increasing your intake of vitamin-rich vegetables (like kale) and limiting consumption of sugary drinks and snacks.
Cavities have steadily been on the rise since the 1990s, but they can be costly, painful, and wreak havoc on your teeth. Therefore, it is important to prioritize prevention and avoid the above common causes. That way, you and your family can enjoy strong, healthy, beautiful smiles for years to come!
About the Author
After completing her dental degree in India in 2006, Dr. Khushboo Gandhi began the Advanced Education program for international dentists at the Oklahoma College of Dentistry. She is currently a member of multiple reputable organizations, including the American Dental Association, and is certified in both Invisalign and nitrous oxide. If you would like to request an appointment with her at Murphy Dental Home, don’t hesitate to visit her website or give her a call at 972-532-6506.