admin
Dec 06, 2021
Cavities are the last thing that you want after you have been brushing and flossing regularly. However, you may not be lucky enough to dodge the bacteria in your mouth. Although brushing twice a day and flossing once a day is necessary to keep your teeth healthy, many people still fall prey to caries.
The reasons behind this could be many, but it does not mean that you should compromise on your oral health. You must visit your Hope Island dentist as soon as you witness signs of cavities, such as toothache, sensitivity, black stain on the surface of the tooth, or a sharp pain while eating.
If you are confused about getting cavities despite maintaining your oral health routine, you need to look at the reasons listed below to find an answer.
1. Too Much Junk Food
Sugary, acidic, and starchy foods are the worst enemies of a healthy mouth. Unhealthy and junk foods have these in liberal amounts. They are present in everything from colas, soda, ice-creams, cakes, and cookies to candies, dried cereals, white bread, pasta, and starchy potato chips.
If you consume too much junk food or keep munching frequently, your teeth become susceptible to decay. The bacteria present within your mouth breaks down the sugar and starch to produce acid, which gradually dissolves the tooth enamel leading to cavities.
Similarly, the sticky foods get stuck to the surface of the teeth and cause cavities or holes. So, if you are prone to cavities, limit the intake of these foods and brush your teeth after their consumption to avoid damage.
2. Brushing and Flossing Incorrectly
Improper brushing can lead to the accumulation of plaque and bacteria that damage the tooth and cause cavities. Thus, you need to brush and floss effectively to avoid decay.
Many people think that vigorous brushing is the best way to remove plaque and bacteria. However, it is the wrong way to brush and can lead to the wearing down of the tooth enamel and can even cause gum recession.
The bristles of the brush should be titled at a 45-degree angle instead of being pressed against them. The brush should be moved back and forth and up and down gently.
Ensure that you cover the outer side, inner side, and the top surface of all the teeth, including the molars or back teeth. Similarly, the floss should be moved up and down after wrapping it around the tooth. It should cover all gaps.
3. Genetics Can Also Play a Role
It may appear surprising, but cavities can be a hereditary problem. Some people are more prone to cavities because they have a family history of dental problems.
These people may be born with weak enamel or have slow production of saliva in the mouth. These genetic influences can increase the risk of cavities as well as the alignment of teeth in your jaw.
So, if your family members have been struggling with cavities, you better take care of your teeth and visit your dentist regularly.
4. Teeth Grinding/Bruxism
Involuntary teeth grinding can make fissures on the surface of the teeth because of the constant pressure exerted on them. People who already have fillings need to be careful as bruxism can make them crack or break.
Teeth grinding can also happen because of stress or anxiety and sleep disorders. Your dentist can diagnose the problem by examining your teeth, and you will have to wear mouth guards like athletes to keep the damage under control.
5. Lack of Fluoride
Fluoride is vital for dental health as it helps in preventing cavities and tooth decay by restoring enamel. Thus, it is vital to drink fluoridated tap water and use toothpaste with fluoride to keep your mouth healthy.
The combination of saliva and fluoride help in protecting teeth from the attack of bacteria and create resistance towards decay by strengthening the enamel.
6. Dry Mouth
Saliva is instrumental in keeping your teeth protected from acid attacks by washing them away. The acid can erode the enamel and create caries.
Thus, if you have a dry mouth because you are taking medication or have some other health issues, it can affect your oral health. Your dentist can diagnose the problem during an examination, and it must be dealt with immediately to avoid cavities and boost the production of saliva in the mouth.
7. Reflux and Eating Disorders
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is yet another reason for tooth decay as it makes acid from the stomach flow back into the mouth as reflux. The acid wears off the tooth enamel, which exposes the dentin and makes it vulnerable to decay.
People suffering from bulimia or anorexia also face similar tooth problems as vomiting repeatedly, which brings the stomach acid into the mouth and causes loss of tooth enamel. So, you must start the treatment for the underlying problem to keep your teeth intact.
Conclusion
Make sure that you visit your dentist in Hope Island frequently to keep a tab on cavities and nip any problem in the bud before it escalates and causes problems. The reasons mentioned above will help you identify the reason behind your cavities and help you to avoid them.
