A welcoming show of white teeth makes a great first impression, while a show of decaying teeth does the opposite. Tooth decay, also known as a cavity, destroys the tooth structure, such as the enamel and, in severe cases, the dentin layer of your tooth.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), cavities develop when plaque adheres to teeth, producing acids that erode enamel and create holes. Plaque is a combination of food debris, acid, saliva, and bacteria. It forms when you leave foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches), such as candy, cakes, bread, or soda, on your teeth.
Tooth decay affects people of all ages. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that over 90% of adults have had at least one cavity. While cavities are widespread, you can prevent cavities and a trip to the dentist by observing proper oral hygiene. It is easy to learn proper oral hygiene tips that could cause cavities. This article explores some of the simple things you can do to prevent dental cavities.
Understanding Your Cavity Risk Level
Cavities are a common concern, but some individuals may be more susceptible than others. Many factors could influence your cavity risk, including:
- People whose diet consists mainly of starch and sugary food are more susceptible to cavity
- Oral hygiene habits. Skipping brushing or flossing your teeth will raise your cavity risk by 40%, according to the CDC.
- Dental anatomy. Naturally, some people have deeper grooves or pits in their teeth, which can trap food particles and bacteria more easily. Such people stand a higher risk of having cavities.
- Dry mouth. Conditions that cause dry mouth, such as certain medications or medical conditions, can increase cavity risk.
- Children and older adults tend to be more vulnerable to cavities. In children, tooth enamel is still developing, and good oral hygiene habits may not yet be fully established. Older adults may have receding gums, worn-down tooth enamel, or root exposure, which can increase cavity risk.
The best way to determine your specific cavity risk level is through a comprehensive dental exam. Your dentist will assess the above mentioned factors and may perform additional tests as needed.
Knowing your risk level has several advantages. Understanding your risk allows you and your dentist to tailor your oral hygiene routine and preventive strategies for maximum effectiveness. Also, lower-risk individuals may not require dental visits as frequently, while those with higher risk may benefit from more regular checkups to catch any potential issues early.
Regularly Visiting the Dental Clinic
Data from the CDC shows that 23.7 percent of adults in the USA between the ages of 20 and 64 have untreated cavities. Regular visits to the dentist help prevent dental cavities.
When you go for a dental checkup, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums to check for any signs of cavities or gum disease. If need be, they could take X-rays for further examination.
You might also undergo a professional cleaning to remove built-up plaque and tartar, leaving your teeth feeling polished and clean. Your dentist might suggest dental sealants, especially for those back teeth. Sealants protect your teeth from cavity-causing bacteria.
Finally, your dentist will give tips on keeping your smile healthy at home with effective brushing and flossing habits. If you have a dental problem, they recommend ideal treatments.
Regularly Brushing Your Teeth
Your mouth is home to a billion microbes that help break down the food and beverages you consume. Afterward, these microbes, also called bacteria, release waste in the form of acid that, together with food debris and saliva, form a biofilm called plaque. The dental plaque wears down the tooth enamel and causes cavities.
Regularly brushing your teeth prevents dental plaque from sticking to your teeth, preventing cavities. Brush after meals and always before bed. Skipping night time brushing lets food particles sit on your teeth, giving bacteria time to create acids that cause cavities.
Using The Right Toothbrush
The ADA recommends brushing your teeth using a soft-bristled brush and an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. The shape and size of your brush should properly fit your mouth, enabling you to reach all corners of your mouth easily.
You cannot go wrong with smaller toothbrush heads. A small-headed toothbrush cleans hard-to-reach areas of your mouth more effectively. Electric toothbrushes are ideal for people who struggle with traditional brushing or have limited dexterity.
Also, buy a new toothbrush every three to four months or earlier if the bristles fray. A toothbrush with worn bristles will not clean your teeth effectively.
Proper Brushing Techniques
After finding the right toothbrush, use the brushing techniques below to effectively fight cavities are:
- Angle your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward your gum line.
- Use short, gentle strokes (about the width of a tooth) covering all surfaces of your teeth—outer, inner, and chewing. Ensure you brush along the gum line as well.
- Brush the inside surfaces of your front teeth by tilting the brush vertically and making several up-and-down strokes.
- Remember to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Developing The Habit Of Flossing
Flossing complements proper brushing techniques. Geometrically, a tooth has five sides. Even the best brush reaches only three sides, leaving two sides untouched. On these unclean sides, cavities could occur due to plaque buildup. If you do not floss your teeth, over 50% of your teeth' surface is left with food debris.
The American Dental Association recommends daily flossing to remove food and plaque.
It does not matter if you floss before or after brushing your teeth as long as you floss daily. Pick a time when you can focus on flossing carefully. Floss in the morning, after lunch, or at night—whatever works best for you.
Flossing should not hurt. If it does, you might be pressing too hard, which could damage your gums. Talk to your dentist if you consistently have pain while flossing, even when it is gentle.
You can use the following tips for effective flossing:
- Take a reasonable length of floss, around 18 inches. Then, wrap most of the floss around your middle fingers. You are left with a short working section, with your index fingers and thumbs ready to guide.
- Use a soft rubbing motion to guide the floss between your teeth. Avoid snapping it into your gums.
- Once the floss touches your gum line, you want to curve it like a "C" against your tooth and gently slide it in between the tooth and gum.
- Hold the floss firmly against the tooth and rub it up and down, following the curve. Make sure to do this on both sides of each tooth.
- Pay attention to those back teeth, too.
Kids Also Need To Floss
Kids need to floss as part of their dental care routine. Start flossing your child's teeth as soon as two teeth touch. You should floss their teeth until they are about 10 or 11. After this age, they develop coordination skills to do it themselves.
Did you know your body is 60% water? Water helps your body with nutrient transport, waste disposal, glowing skin, and muscle health. Drinking water, especially fluoridated water, also helps maintain good dental health.
Water helps keep cavities at bay in the following ways:
1. Fluoridated Prevents Cavity
Fluoride, a natural mineral known as "nature's cavity fighter," strengthens teeth. Drinking fluoridated water is one of the most beneficial ways to promote dental health. Tap water usually contains fluoride, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends optimal levels.
While some debate exists around fluoridation, its benefits are widely recognized by the American Medical Association, the American Dental Association, and the CDC, which consider it a top public health achievement.
2. Water Prevents Plaque Buildup
Water is a natural defense for your teeth. It washes away food residue that cavity-causing bacteria feed on. These bacteria use sugar to produce acid that erodes your tooth enamel. Water helps dilute those acids. On the other hand, juice, soda, and sports drinks leave behind sugars that become a feast for harmful bacteria.
3. Water Prevents Dry Mouth
Did you know saliva is mostly water? Saliva, which is 99% water, is your mouth's first defense against cavities. Saliva washes away food debris, delivers minerals to strengthen teeth, and helps fight tooth decay. Low saliva leads to a dry mouth, increasing your risk of tooth decay. Drinking enough water keeps your salivary production optimal.
Reducing Drinking Sugary And Acidic Beverages
Sugary and acidic drinks are major contributors to tooth decay. Sugary drinks provide a feast for cavity-causing bacteria, while acidic drinks can directly erode tooth enamel. According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, acid levels in soft drinks range between pH 4 and 6, and sugar levels are at an average of 10 spoons per 500 ml.
When you drink soda, the sugar interacts with oral bacteria, leading to the production of acid. This acid, along with the additional acid in the soda itself, attacks your teeth. Acid attacks your teeth for around 20 minutes, making each sip worse. This weakens your enamel, the tough outside of your teeth. Damaged enamel lets cavities form.
Be aware that even diet or sugar-free soda still contains acid that can cause cavities. Additionally, while fruit drinks may not be fizzy like soda, they contain sugar and acid that can cause cavities.
If you are thirsty, you want to swap sugary and acidic beverages with plain water for hydration. If you crave flavor, try unsweetened tea or water infused with fruits and herbs. Alternatively, if you indulge in a sugary drink, rinse your mouth with water afterward and consider using a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
Quitting Smoking
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tobacco use, whether in the form of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, or other products, wreaks havoc on oral health.
It causes oral cancer, gum disease, and numerous other problems. Smokers exhibit higher rates of untreated tooth decay; over 40% of adult smokers (20–64 years) have untreated cavities, and the risk doubles for adults 65 and older.
Sadly, around 43% of older adult smokers have lost all their teeth. Smokeless tobacco is not a safer alternative, as it is linked to increased oral cancer risks and can cause white or gray patches inside the mouth, known as oral leukoplakia.
Watching What You Eat
You are what you eat, which is even more true for your teeth. When you indulge in sugary or starchy foods, remember you're not eating alone! You're also fueling the bacteria in your mouth that lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
The University of Rochester Medical Center recommends the ideal food to eat and what to avoid.
What to Eat
1. Fiber-Rich Fruits And Vegetables
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends eating fibrous foods to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Fiber acts like a natural toothbrush and stimulates salivary production. Saliva is your mouth's best defense against cavities and gum disease. It neutralizes harmful acids and enzymes eroding the enamel and provides minerals such as calcium and phosphate to strengthen your teeth.
2. Cheese, Milk, Plain Yogurt, And Other Dairy Products
Cheese promotes saliva production. As mentioned above, saliva is your tooth's first line of defense. Not only does saliva wash away food debris and neutralize acids, but it also carries crucial minerals like calcium and phosphate.
These minerals are also found abundantly in milk and other dairy products. Calcium and phosphate help with remineralization, which is the process that counteracts the demineralization caused by acid-producing bacteria. In return, this helps to rebuild and strengthen your tooth enamel.
What Not to Eat
1. Sticky Candies and Sweets
The longer sticky candies and sweets linger in your mouth, the more time cavity-causing bacteria have to feast on the refined sugar. This prolonged exposure leads to the production of harmful acids that erode tooth enamel.
If you love eating candy, consider those that clear out of your mouth quickly. The ADA confirms that chocolate clears from your mouth more quickly than stickier candies, making it a slightly better choice.
Moreover, dark chocolate (70% cacao) offers unique benefits. Studies suggest its antioxidants and polyphenols protect against tooth decay, though more research is needed.
2. Starchy foods
Starchy foods are a leading cause of tooth cavities, especially when they linger in your mouth. Soft breads and potato chips are prime culprits. These easily lodge between your teeth, creating a haven for bacteria that thrive on carbohydrates.
Bacteria break down these starches into sugars, producing acids that attack your tooth enamel. This prolonged exposure increases the risk of developing cavities.
Consult a Qualified Dentist Near Me
Tooth decay is the most prevalent dental condition, but it is preventable. If you have a consistent routine of brushing, flossing, drinking plenty of water, and eating a tooth-friendly diet, you significantly decrease your risk of cavities. Also, regular dental checkups are vital for the early detection and treatment of problems.
Are you suffering from the discomfort of cavities? If so, at Northridge Advanced Dentistry, we offer effective treatment options to restore your smile. Schedule your appointment today for a personalized prevention plan. Call us at 818-701-3010.
