COMMON CAUSES OF DENTAL CAVITIES COMMON CAUSES OF DENTAL CAVITIES | Gan Advanced Osseointegation Center

COMMON CAUSES OF DENTAL CAVITIES

COMMON CAUSES OF DENTAL CAVITIES

 

 

Cavity refers to tooth decay, which occurs when specific types of bacteria produce acids and destroys the tooth enamel and its underlying layer which is the dentin. Cavity grows bigger and deeper over time. It is important to get it treated.

 

1. POOR ORAL HYGIENE

Oral hygiene in general refers to the practices used to ensure good health and cleanliness. Not having proper oral hygiene like regular tooth brushing, flossing, and not brushing the tongue is the quickest way to welcome cavities.

 

2. POOR NUTRITION

Sweet, starchy foods such as cupcakes, donuts when over consumed can cause tooth decay. When sugar is consumed it interacts with bacteria inside the mouth with the plaque to produce acid. This acid is responsible for tooth decay because it slowly dissolves the enamel creating holes /cavity on the teeth.

 

3. ACIDIC FOOD AND BEVERAGES

 

Soda beverages, citrus fruits, etc. are high in acidity which can contribute to the formation of cavities. Don’t brush your teeth directly after consuming acidic food/ beverages as this can actually do more harm than good. The acid in these foods goes on the teeth right away, and brushing will only erode and irritate further the enamel of the teeth.

 

4. DRY MOUTH

 

Dry mouth is also known as XEROSTOMIA. Dry mouth increases the susceptibility of the teeth from having cavities. According to Dr. William Litaker, the lack of saliva can cause an increase in cavities. Saliva lubricates and helps neutralize the acid in the decay causing plaque. The less saliva, the more chance of developing cavities.

 

5. DEEP PITS AND FISSURES

Pits and fissure are deep grooves that make up the chewing surfaces on the teeth. Although these grooves helps you to chew, food sometimes get stuck. And bacterial film start to form on the teeth if not cleaned regularly. It’s quite hard to reach this area with toothbrush, so food and plaque remain in place that leads to dental cavity. They’re prevented by regularly brushing your teeth. And you’re dentist can recommend you to have DENTAL SEALANT. Dental sealant acts as barrier protecting the enamel from plaque and acids.

 

6. NOT GETTING ENOUGH FLUORIDE

 

When fluoride is topically applied frequently in low concentrations it increases both growth and size of enamel crystals. The larger the crystals are less to future attack of dental cavities.

 

7. NO REGULAR CHECK UP WITH THE DENTIST

 

Having a regular check up with the dentist can help to monitor if there are any developing cavities and can help you to prevent from having it. A routine checkup and regular cleaning is a must to maintain good oral hygiene.

 

Why not get your Oral Prophlaxis this month of February and bring along a family member or a friend :)

 

 

For more information you can check: http://healthyteeth.org/what-causes-cavity/

To book an appointment, send us a message here : http://www.gaocdental.com/contact-us

Images/GIF from: Google.com

 

Article by : Dr. Maricris Perez
                  Prosthodontist, Orthodontist
                  Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center

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