How to Prevent Cavities
![Cavities](/uploads/2/5/2/2/25225271/8595816_orig.jpg)
Cavities? Just for kids, right? No way! Though cavities tend to be more prevalent in children, adults can also develop cavities. But who cares anyway, since cavities aren't that big a deal, right? Wrong again! Cavities are nothing more than tooth decay. That's right... decay. You know, like destruction, corrosion, damage, ruin. Yes, that's right. A tooth with a cavity in it is decaying. And, it's not that hard to figure out that the more cavities you've got, the worse condition your teeth and mouth are in. But what exactly are cavities? What causes them? What are your options to treat a cavity? And, most importantly, how do you prevent them in the first place? These are some very important oral health questions that are easily answered.
How do cavities form?
A cavity is a hole in the tooth, which is a nice way of saying 'tooth decay.' Decaying teeth are caused by bad bacteria that builds up in the mouth and isn't cleaned away. Bad bacteria builds up when food particles remain on teeth without being cleaned or brushed off. It's true that every bit of remnant left from food needs to be cleaned from teeth and surrounding structures, and it's also true that some particles are worse than others. For instance, foods that are processed tend to cause more bad bacteria inside the mouth. Processed, sugary, and starchy foods are particular culprits when it comes to causing cavities. However, even if you're eating a diet that's loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables while completely eliminating processed foods, you still need to brush away all food particles. Bacteria buildup leads to plaque, that sticky film that covers teeth. It's not just disgusting; it's your teeth's natural foe. The acids in plaque can eat away at tooth enamel (your teeth's protective coating), causing cavities. And, if you've got too many cavities, a.k.a. tooth decay, it's 'goodbye teeth.'
How do cavities affect adult teeth?
Because cavities are tooth decay, they can have a profound effect, yes, even on adult teeth. Cavities can lead to gingivitis, receding gums, and exposure of tooth roots. Another problem cavities can cause in adults is decay surrounding the tooth edges of fillings. This damage to areas that surround fillings can cause fillings to weaken. And, since more bacteria are now getting inside teeth, that situation can also lead to tooth fractures.
How can I prevent cavities?
So, what's the simplest and most effective means of cavity prevention? It's not hard to figure it out. The best way to prevent cavities is to take proper care of your teeth, mouth, and all the surrounding structures. More dental procedures are caused by poor dental hygiene than any other factor. And, not to be too simplistic, but maintaining a good oral health routine is as simple as 1-2-3. First, there's brushing. If you're not brushing your teeth at least twice every single day with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft- or medium-bristled toothbrush, you're likely in for some tooth decay. Second, if you're not flossing your teeth at least once every day, you could see some serious damage occur over time, as flossing is the best means of dislodging nasty food particles. Even brushing can't get in between those teeth spaces nearly as effectively as flossing can. And third, even though you're not a kid anymore, it's still vital that you see your family dentist for twice-yearly professionals cleanings. But that's not the only reason to continue those routine bi-annual checkups. The fact is that your dentist will be able to notice changes occurring within your mouth long before you do.
Ask yourself a question the next time your kids come home from a dentist appointment and say, "No cavities!"... are you as stringent about your own oral health as you are about theirs? If you're constantly telling your kids to brush or floss their teeth, and you always seem to be on them about the sugary or processed foods they eat, you should be equally as tough on yourself. Your own dental hygiene routine is just as important as that of your kids. As we age, our teeth, just like our bodies, get more worn and more susceptible to falling into disrepair. Of course, you don't have to follow a good oral health routine to prevent cavities and take good care of your teeth. You can always lose them.
How do cavities form?
A cavity is a hole in the tooth, which is a nice way of saying 'tooth decay.' Decaying teeth are caused by bad bacteria that builds up in the mouth and isn't cleaned away. Bad bacteria builds up when food particles remain on teeth without being cleaned or brushed off. It's true that every bit of remnant left from food needs to be cleaned from teeth and surrounding structures, and it's also true that some particles are worse than others. For instance, foods that are processed tend to cause more bad bacteria inside the mouth. Processed, sugary, and starchy foods are particular culprits when it comes to causing cavities. However, even if you're eating a diet that's loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables while completely eliminating processed foods, you still need to brush away all food particles. Bacteria buildup leads to plaque, that sticky film that covers teeth. It's not just disgusting; it's your teeth's natural foe. The acids in plaque can eat away at tooth enamel (your teeth's protective coating), causing cavities. And, if you've got too many cavities, a.k.a. tooth decay, it's 'goodbye teeth.'
How do cavities affect adult teeth?
Because cavities are tooth decay, they can have a profound effect, yes, even on adult teeth. Cavities can lead to gingivitis, receding gums, and exposure of tooth roots. Another problem cavities can cause in adults is decay surrounding the tooth edges of fillings. This damage to areas that surround fillings can cause fillings to weaken. And, since more bacteria are now getting inside teeth, that situation can also lead to tooth fractures.
How can I prevent cavities?
So, what's the simplest and most effective means of cavity prevention? It's not hard to figure it out. The best way to prevent cavities is to take proper care of your teeth, mouth, and all the surrounding structures. More dental procedures are caused by poor dental hygiene than any other factor. And, not to be too simplistic, but maintaining a good oral health routine is as simple as 1-2-3. First, there's brushing. If you're not brushing your teeth at least twice every single day with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft- or medium-bristled toothbrush, you're likely in for some tooth decay. Second, if you're not flossing your teeth at least once every day, you could see some serious damage occur over time, as flossing is the best means of dislodging nasty food particles. Even brushing can't get in between those teeth spaces nearly as effectively as flossing can. And third, even though you're not a kid anymore, it's still vital that you see your family dentist for twice-yearly professionals cleanings. But that's not the only reason to continue those routine bi-annual checkups. The fact is that your dentist will be able to notice changes occurring within your mouth long before you do.
Ask yourself a question the next time your kids come home from a dentist appointment and say, "No cavities!"... are you as stringent about your own oral health as you are about theirs? If you're constantly telling your kids to brush or floss their teeth, and you always seem to be on them about the sugary or processed foods they eat, you should be equally as tough on yourself. Your own dental hygiene routine is just as important as that of your kids. As we age, our teeth, just like our bodies, get more worn and more susceptible to falling into disrepair. Of course, you don't have to follow a good oral health routine to prevent cavities and take good care of your teeth. You can always lose them.