Facts: More than 40 percent of the young generation have untreated dental cavities.
We have all experienced dental cavities at one time or another. As the name suggests, dental cavities are holes in your teeth. They develop due to various causes that are a threat to overall body health.
Cavities are also called dental caries or dental decay. Cavities result when your dental enamel is destroyed due to various causes. There are different types of dental caries, depending on the types of teeth that are affected. The most common types of caries are coronal, which usually affect the molars and the premolars.
While the problem might seem not so threatening at first, with time, it becomes risky because the whole mouth can be affected.
In many ways, the teeth might seem such a small part of the body, but if you have ever experienced pain in the teeth before, you understand how vital the teeth are to your whole well-being. A simple toothache affecting one tooth will make you not to eat, even speak. You won’t go to work, and even if you do, you won’t be able to focus on your tasks.
What are the Top Causes of Cavities?
Anything that will lead to the destruction of the enamel to expose the underlying dentin and nerves can cause cavities. Here are the top causes of dental cavities.
Poor Oral Health
When plaque builds up on the teeth, it causes the enamel to strip away, causing cavities. This is why you need to brush your teeth at least twice a day and after eating. Regular brushing helps keep away the plaque, which prevents the condition from developing.
A Poor Diet
A diet that is rich in sugar content and starch encourages the growth of bacteria in the mouth. The bacteria cause the formation of lactic acid that eats away at the enamel, leading to its destruction and exposure of underlying tissues.
Lack of Fluoride in Your Diet
Fluoride is known to prevent tooth decay. It also helps fight this condition. Most of the toothpaste we use today has fluoride in it as the main ingredient. Fluoride helps to toughen your enamel and protect it from the ravages of acids. The water you drink should also contain fluoride.
How Do You Know You Have Dental Cavities
Dental cavities usually develop gradually, and this shows up in the form of some signs that you need to identify so that you can take the right steps. Here are the top signs that show you have dental caries:
Toothache
This is the most definitive sign of dental caries. Pain shows that the enamel has been eaten away that the underlying roots have been exposed. The pain usually arises when you bite down on something or when you drink something hot. You also feel a lot of pain when you clean your teeth.
Bad Breath
Decay is always linked to something that is rotting away. This can lead to bad breath with a strange taste in your mouth. If you cannot control bad breath even with toothpaste and mouth wash, you need to suspect decay.
Bleeding Gums
When the tooth structure becomes destroyed, other organs in your mouth will be affected. One of the major structures that get affected is gums. They become tender and painful to touch. They also appear reddish.
Visible Holes
Due to damaged teeth, the enamel gets lost over time, and holes develop. These holes are visible when you look in a mirror, or you can feel them when you pass a tongue over the surface of the teeth.
Some of the symptoms can barely be noticeable initially. However, when you notice the signs described here, the cavities have progressed, and they need the attention of a dentist. The more you wait for them to become more serious, the more work is needed to resolve the issue.
Always talk to the dentist earlier to avoid the agony of having to undergo extensive procedures.
Bottom-line
Dental cavities can occur in many people, regardless of your age and gender. Timely visits to an expert dentist can help reduce the damage that cavities have on your teeth. You can visit us for enquiries and book appointments to enjoy top-quality dental services.
