Tooth Decay: What to Do To Prevent Cavities?

4 in 5 People complain that they have cavities. Do you know what they are? Well, cavities are the damaged areas that occur into tiny openings or holes. Different factors contribute to developing cavities. Studies say that these factors include frequent sacking, improper teeth brushing, mouth bacteria, too much consumption of sugary drinks, etc.

I visited hospitals in Pakistan for an analysis that revealed that cavities and tooth decay are the most common problems and are mostly found in teenagers, older adults, and kids. Experts say that there is no specific age limit for developing cavities as it can be developed at any age and depends on how you take care of your teeth.

Untreated cavities and tooth decay often result in tooth extraction. It affects the deeper layers of your teeth and ends up with a toothache, tooth loss, infections. People often brush their teeth in only one minute, which does not remove the bacteria that is stuck between your teeth.

Here are some symptoms that help you to get the treatment at the right time.

Experts share that symptoms of tooth decay vary as per the location. At early tooth decay, you will not notice any sign but there will be symptoms when it gets larger.

• When you experience tooth sensitivity
• When there are pits in your teeth
• When you feel pain while biting food
• When you experience pain from mild to sharp while eating or drinking anything hot or cold
• When you see black and white stains on your teeth
• When you have a spontaneous toothache that occurs without any cause.

What Are The Causes Of The Cavities And Tooth Decay?

Cavities lead to tooth loss that you do not want as they contribute to your overall appearance. Here are some reasons that you need to learn about.

Plaque forms:

It is found in the clear sticky film that coats your teeth. When you start eating a lot of sugars and starches, it results in dental plaque. Such plaque can also be formed when you do not brush your teeth properly. Bacteria stick with those food particles and begin to feed on them. In this process, the plaque forms and starts getting harder under and above your gum line into tartar.

Continuous Destruction:

Once tooth decay develops, it goes to the next level as bacteria and acids grow on your teeth and goes to the inner tooth material that includes blood vessels and nerves.

Plaque Attacks:

Plaque acids remove minerals in your outer enamel. When this happens, it leads to the opening of the tiny holes in your enamel which is the beginning stage of the cavities. Bacteria and acid go to the next layer of the teeth, which is known as the dentin. Dentists say that this layer is softer than enamel. This layer means dentin has tiny tubes associated with the nerve of the tooth causing sensitivity.

Risk factors of cavities and tooth decay:

There is no specific reason for tooth decay or cavities, but it can happen to anyone who has teeth. But studies have revealed some of the risk factors that increase the risk of cavities.

Tooth location: Back teeth are most common for cavities and tooth decay because they have lots of pits and grooves. Certain foods also put you at high risk of developing cavities and tooth decay, including ice cream, cookies, dried fruits, honey, hard candy, chips, etc.

Doctors in Pakistan say that bedtime feeding can also increase the chance of tooth decay and cavities. Dry mouth, young and older age are the main risk factors of tooth decay.

Tips To Prevent Cavities and Tooth Decay :

Use Fluoride Toothpaste to Brush Your Teeth after Eating Food 

• Rinse your mouth after every 2 hours.
• Visit the dentist regularly to check if there are any chances of cavities.
• Drink tap water as it often contains fluoride that reduces the chances of tooth decay.
• A tooth-friendly diet is also a good option to wash away food particles.
• Avoid frequent drinking and eating.

Conclusion 

Antibacterial treatment is the most recommended process that involves mouth rinses to cut down on harmful bacteria in your mouth. Make sure that you visit your dentist after 3-4 months.

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