Dental cavities, causes, prevention, and treatment

Dental cavities are one of the most common oral health problems worldwide. A cavity is a hole or structural damage in a tooth caused by a combination of factors such as bacteria, sugar, and acid. They are also known as tooth decay, dental caries, or dental decay. Cavities can cause pain, discomfort, and sensitivity, which can lead to more severe dental problems if left untreated. But what causes dental cavities, how to prevent them, and how to treat them?

What are dental cavities?

Dental cavities are damaged caused by a bacterial infection that damages the hard tissues of the teeth. The bacteria really like sugar and when they eat it they produce acid.  This acid then destroys the enamel, the hard outer layer of the tooth. Over time, the acid can penetrate deeper into the tooth, causing decay in the dentin, the softer inner layer of the tooth. At this point, if you don’t go to a dentist to get treatment, the decay can reach the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, and cause an infection.

Factors that contribute to dental cavities

There are several factors that can contribute to dental cavities. One of the most significant factors is poor oral hygiene. If you do not brush and floss regularly, the bacteria in your mouth can build up and form plaque, a sticky film that can lead to cavities. There are also different types of bacteria in your mouth and they can cause different damage to your teeth. For example, Streptococcus mutans is one of the most common bacteria associated with cavities.

Another significant factor is the food that you eat. A diet high in sugar and carbohydrates can provide the bacteria in your mouth with the fuel they need to produce acid, which can lead to decay. Also, sticky and chewy foods, such as candy and even dried fruit, can also contribute to cavities because they tend to stick to the teeth and are harder to remove with brushing. Also if you eat more diverse food and especially fruit, vegetable and milk products such as yoghurt or cheese, you also make your enamel stronger. As people say, what you eat is what you get. 

For people who don’t like a healthy diet or don’t have much time to cook well there are other options. Of course the most important it always healthy food but in case your food is not so healthy, there are different supplements with vitamins that can help your teeth to be strong. One of such supplements is Dentitox Pro. It is a liquid supplement that consists of Vitamins A, C, D3 & K2, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, micro-encapsulated calcium (MEC), xylitol, collagen, MSM and spearmint/peppermint. You can read more about it here Dentitox Pro. 

Therefore, eating a healthy diet low in sugar and carbohydrates can help prevent cavities. If you consume sugary or acidic foods and drinks, try to do so in moderation and rinse your mouth with water afterwards, or better with a mouthwash liquid or brush your teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help stimulate saliva production, which can help neutralise the acid in the mouth.

There are also some external factors that do not depend on us, such as our genetics.  It can also play a role in cavity formation. Some people are more prone to cavities than others. It happens because the composition of saliva can be different. Also, the shape of their teeth or the strength of their enamel is important. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as dry mouth, can increase the risk of cavities.

Prevention of dental cavities

The best way to prevent dental cavities is through good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth after eating with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day can help remove plaque and prevent decay. You should also visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. There are also very small brushes that you can use to push the rest of the food from between your teeth next to your gums. Before I tried such a brush, I was not even aware of how much food could be left there.

Finally, dental sealants can be applied to the molars, which are the most susceptible to decay. The sealant is a thin, protective coating that covers the grooves and pits of the teeth, making it harder for bacteria to penetrate and cause decay.

Treatment of dental cavities

If you do develop a cavity, your dentist will need to remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the hole with a filling material. The filling material can be made of several different materials, including amalgam, composite resin, and porcelain. Amalgam fillings are luckily banned in many countries because they consist of mercury and mercury is toxic. Through such feelings, it gets absorbed into the body. The more such feelings in your teeth, the higher levels of mercury in the body.

If the decay has reached the pulp of the tooth, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth. In severe cases, the tooth may need to be extracted.

Dental cavities are a common and preventable oral health problem. Maintaining good oral hygiene, eating a healthy diet, and visiting your dentist regularly are essential for preventing cavities. It is also important to be aware of the factors that can contribute to cavity formation, such as poor oral hygiene, diet, genetics, and medical conditions.

If you do develop a cavity, prompt treatment is important to prevent further damage and more severe dental problems. Fillings, root canals, and extractions are all potential treatment options, depending on the severity of the decay.