Nothing is more frustrating—or painful—than discovering cavities, even if you brush your teeth twice a day. Many patients are taken aback and perplexed after finding out that they have tooth holes. After all, most of us have been informed that brushing is a crucial aspect of maintaining good oral health.
Brushing will not, unfortunately, prevent cavities. Consider regularly going for dental checkups near you. Your oral health is affected by genetics, flossing, and soda consumption. If you’re acquiring cavities despite perfect dental care, keep reading to discover more about this aggravating condition.
We Say Only Brushing Is Not Enough
When a patient expresses shock at the presence of newly formed cavities, a dentist in Country Hills will first ask if they also floss. That is usually the explanation for a negative response. Brushing your teeth might wash out food and plaque but may not permanently remove food and bacteria from between them. The majority of adult cavities form between the teeth.
These are referred to as interproximal cavities. When food and germs accumulate between your teeth, the bacteria consume the tooth enamel and the tooth itself, forming a cavity. Once a hole has developed, there is no way to repair it; you must fill it. Even flossing and brushing regularly will not help after this event.
Other Reasons You Can Get Cavities
1. Overeating Junk Food
Sugary, acidic, and starchy foods are the mouth’s biggest enemies. These are abundant in unhealthy and junk foods like colas, soda, ice cream, cakes, cookies, sweets, dried cereals, white bread, spaghetti, and starchy potato chips.
If you eat a lot of junk food or snack frequently, your teeth become more susceptible to decay. Bacteria break down sugar and starch in your mouth to generate acid, which eventually dissolves tooth enamel and causes cavities.
Similarly, sticky foods adhere to the surface of the teeth, causing cavities or holes. So, if you are prone to cavities, limit your consumption of certain meals and wash your teeth afterwards to avoid harm.
2. Incorrectly Brushing and Flossing Teeth
Improper brushing can cause plaque and germs to accumulate, causing tooth damage and cavities. To avoid decay, you must brush and floss efficiently. Many believe vigorous brushing is the most effective way to remove plaque and bacteria.
However, there are better approaches to brushing, resulting in tooth enamel degradation and even gum recession. Instead of being forced against them, the brush’s bristles should be at a 45-degree angle.
The meeting should be softly moved back and forth and up and down. Cover all teeth’ outside, inside, and top surfaces, including the molars or rear teeth. Similarly, move the floss around the tooth after wrapping it up and down. It should fill in all the spaces.
3. Genetics Matter
Cavities can be inherited, which may come as a surprise. Some people are predisposed to cavities due to a family history of dental problems. These individuals may have poor enamel or delayed salivary production in the mouth.
These hereditary variables can enhance the likelihood of cavities and tooth alignment in your jaw. So, if you have a family history of cavities, you should take care of your teeth and see your dentist regularly.
4. Bruxism
Because of the persistent pressure on the teeth, involuntary teeth grinding can produce fissures on their surface. People who have fillings should be cautious since bruxism can cause them to crack or break.
Stress, worry, or sleep difficulties might trigger teeth grinding in the first place. Doing dental checkups in Country Hills with your dentist will detect the condition in your teeth, and you must wear mouthguards like athletes to keep the damage under control.
5. Absence of Fluoride
Fluoride is vital for dental health as it helps prevent cavities and tooth decay by restoring enamel. Thus, drinking fluoridated tap water and using toothpaste with fluoride are essential to keeping your mouth healthy.
The combination of saliva and fluoride helps protect teeth from the attack of bacteria and creates resistance to decay by strengthening the enamel.
6. Oral Dryness
Saliva is vital to protecting your teeth from acid attacks by cleaning them away. The acid has the potential to damage the enamel and cause caries. As a result, having a dry mouth due to medicine or other health concerns can impact your dental health.
During an examination, your dentist can diagnose the problem, which must be addressed immediately to avoid cavities and enhance saliva production in the mouth.
7. Eating-Related Disorders
Another cause of tooth decay is gastroesophageal reflux disease, which causes acid from the stomach to reflux into the mouth. The acid erodes the tooth enamel, exposing the dentin and making it susceptible to decay.
People suffering from bulimia or anorexia have comparable tooth problems because they frequently vomit, bringing stomach acid into their mouth and causing tooth enamel loss. To keep your teeth intact, you should start treating the underlying condition.
Consult Our Dentist
NorthPointe Dental Clinic is the ultimate end to your long-time internet search for a professional and qualified “dentist near me in Country Hills.” We are your best friends when brushing and flossing don’t do everything in their power for you. Our dental team goes above and beyond to ensure you keep smiling.