Do you brush your teeth in the morning and wonder why cavities are forming on your teeth? There are numerous reasons for this to happen, notably coming down to how you look after your teeth. At a dental check-up, the dentist is able to detect a cavity inside the mouth, and the reasons for it. You may not even be aware of what a cavity is, yet you’re experiencing sensitivity inside the mouth.
Although, if you’re in a position where you don’t have a dental check-up scheduled in, but the worry of a cavity is weighing on your mind, below will tell you everything you need to know about why you’re getting cavities.
What Are Cavities?
Cavities are a symptom of tooth decay. This means harmful bacteria is penetrating inside the mouth and will eventually turn into acid. The bacteria (formed from the food you eat), saliva and acid combine to form plaque, a sticky substance that sticks to your teeth.
The acid softens your enamel and can cause tiny holes to fill within the centre of the tooth. This is known as a cavity. The holes can become bigger over time and end up cracking the tooth. To make sure it doesn’t get to that stage, a dental filling would be necessary.
The Causes of Cavities
The most important step to carry out if you believe you have a cavity is to get it checked out by the dentist. They are best placed to determine the cause of the cavity. Below gives you an insight into the causes of cavities and one of these reasons could resonate with you.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Is your dental routine strong enough? Avoiding a cavity is dependent on your oral health and how well you look after your teeth. The basic steps of your dental routine are to brush and floss your teeth twice a day, eat a balanced diet comprising of calcium and fibre to keep enamel strong, drink plenty of water throughout the day and keep your mouth clean from food debris.
Poor Diet
The food and drink you consume play a vital role in keeping teeth and gums healthy. If your diet contains high levels of sugar, citrus and a lack of healthy minerals, you’re doing more damage to your oral health. Avoid sugar and incorporate fruit and vegetables at a minimum, because they contain calcium and phosphorous properties that your teeth and enamel need. Also, if you’re drinking sodas, coffee and red wine, which are culprits of discolouration and cavity, replace them with water.
Low Saliva Production
Saliva is an essential tool in combating harmful bacteria that can form inside the mouth. Low saliva production is likely to be due to smoking, consuming alcohol and eating dry foods. Other external factors can include sleep apnea or if you suffer from other health conditions such as diabetes, stroke or infections.
Brushing Teeth Without Fluoride
If you’re brushing your teeth with normal toothpaste, that is also ok. Although, fluoride in general has proven to reduce cavities and reverse any early signs of tooth decay. Consider brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste every day. The dentist is best placed to advise on the best fluoride toothpaste for your teeth.
Wearing Metal Braces
If you’re wearing traditional metal braces instead of clear aligners, then food debris can become easily stuck on your teeth. It can also be difficult to remove food debris when brushing your teeth. A dental check-up with scale and polish treatment is a recommendation to consider.
Stress
Stress can actually impact your oral health more than you think. When you’re stressed, you’re likely to ignore your oral health. This can cause a cavity if you don’t look after your teeth. Click here to learn more.
Cavities are more likely to form depending on how well you look after your mouth. You can read more about it here. One thing you must not do is leave it untreated. The tiny holes can become bigger and destroy the tooth as a whole. Cavities aren’t just common in children, they’re also common within adults as well. Therefore, do not ignore these signs and improve your oral routine.
Are you concerned about cavities forming inside your mouth? Our helpful and knowledgeable dentists at Springvale Dental Smiles are on standby to give you the advice you need to protect your oral health. Book an appointment with us today.