Cavities Basics From a Dentist

No one likes cavities. They are a concern for everyone because a cavity left untreated can lead to significant dental issues later on. What are Cavities? Most people know about cavities. Cavities are also referred to as caries or tooth decay. A cavity is a hole in the tooth enamel that can grow bigger and bigger if it is not treated by a dentist. What Causes Cavities? Cavities are caused by several things. However, the foods you eat contribute the most to the development of cavities. When you eat food containing sugar or carbohydrates and do not brush your teeth after you eat, you are at risk for cavities. When these foods are left on the teeth, bacteria will grow and produce acid. The acid breaks down the tooth enamel creating a hole. There are other factors can also that contribute to cavities such as the use of fluoride, diabetes, thrush, and genetics. Due to genetics, some people are more prone to cavities than others due to hereditary issues. Certain variations of the beta-defensin 1 (DEFB1) gene can increase the risk of dental cavities. Misaligned teeth is a common problem and can lead to an increase in cavities. Dry mouth is another factor that can cause cavities. Dry mouth is sometimes caused by medications. The lack of saliva in mouth allows cavities to form more easily. The use of tobacco can cause users to suffer from lack of saliva. How to Prevent Cavities For most people cavity prevention is easy. Avoid high-sugar and high-carbohydrate foods, brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste after every meal and floss your teeth at least once a day. Visiting a dentist in Westcliffe for regular checkups can significantly reduce the chances of cavities turning into a big problem.