Many people wonder what causes cavities. The reason they ask
this question is that they want to avoid this condition because it leads to the
tooth loss and even worse when it gets severe. Cavity is an advanced condition
of tooth decay which is a process that involves many steps. The process starts
with the bacterial attack on hard surface on the tooth called enamel. When
enamel is compromised, the inner layers are exposed against bacterial attack.
These inner layers merely put any resistance while fighting against bacteria.
However, the great news is that cavities are largely
preventable. You just need to follow a few simple steps which are not very
difficult.
Cavity formation
In the first phase, the plaque is formed on the teeth. There
are some types of bacteria that thrive when you consume sugar. The remnants of
sugars left in the mouth are then consumed by these bacteria. Then these
bacteria produce acids which have the capability to dissolve enamel by
demineralizing it. Plaque is formed when these acids combine with other types
of bacteria and food particles which you do not get rid of.
After the plaque is formed, acid starts wearing away the
tooth enamel. as a result of this attack, tiny openings appear in the tooth
enamel. These openings allow acids and bacteria to interact with the layer
underneath the tooth enamel. This inner layer is known as dentin which is
softer as compared to tooth enamel.
These acids and bacteria do not stop there. They keep
marching until the innermost layer, the tooth pulp, is affected. When tooth
pulp is affected, you may start having increased sensitivity in your teeth and
throbbing toothache which can be intermittent as well as permanent. This is the
point where simple tooth decay transforms into cavity; and it can be quite
painful as well as highly dangerous not only for the oral but overall health.
How to prevent cavities?
Prevention is always better than cure. The reason is that
the treatment of any infection or disease may not only be expensive and
complicated but it can also be quite painful. Prevention on the other hand
doesn’t require you to spend much. In case of cavity prevention, you have to
make sure that you are paying good attention to your oral hygiene. You need to
be consistent in brushing and flossing your teeth twice in every day. You will
also have to make sure that you are getting good diet. Teeth friendly foods
prevent the attack of bacteria.
Apart from preventive measures you follow at home, you have
to make sure that you are visiting your dentist twice in every year. These
dental visits would help you ensure timely prevention and treatment of any
dental issue before it starts making mess of your oral health.
