Why Do Cavities Form? Main Causes and Stages of Cavities.

Tooth decay is a dental disease characterised by the destruction of tooth tissues due to acids found in bacterial plaque.

Causes of tooth decay

There are many and varied factors that are related to the development of caries, so we will explain the different causes below:

Insufficient dental cleaning routine

Not brushing your teeth is the main cause of tooth decay. In this regard, it should be made clear that in order to carry out an optimal dental hygiene routine, it is essential to brush our teeth after every meal (mainly before going to bed).

In addition to toothbrushing, which is recommended to be done with an electric toothbrush because of its ability to remove more plaque compared to a conventional toothbrush, it is necessary to use dental floss and mouthwash.

Thanks to these elements we will achieve an adequate and optimal cleaning, which will prevent caries as well as other oral diseases, such as gingivitis or pyorrhoea.

In addition, it is advisable to listen to the guidelines of a professional to improve this habit, as well as to get advice on the products that best suit our needs. Finally, there is the dental cleaning which aims to remove the remains of bacterial plaque and tartar that are lodged in the tooth enamel, this being a simple and painless process that is carried out at the dentist.

Feeding

Our diet plays a very important role in caries as there are foods that accelerate and increase the presence of bacteria in our mouth. A typical example of this type of food is sugary products, such as sweets, candy or soft drinks. If we consume these types of products, it is essential that we brush our teeth after consumption to avoid the appearance of caries.

Once again we must talk about the importance of a healthy and balanced diet (especially avoiding the regular consumption of sugar) as one of the best alternatives we have at our disposal when it comes to preventing tooth decay.

Saliva

Saliva plays a key role in the health of our mouth. To understand this relationship, we must bear in mind that saliva contains proteins and minerals that directly attack bacteria, so that people with lower salivary secretion are more likely to develop dental caries.

Dental anatomy and genetics

We cannot forget dental anatomy as another important factor in the appearance of caries. For example, people with crowded teeth will find it more difficult to clean their mouths properly, a situation that would favour the appearance of caries. Similarly, it is important to bear in mind that each person has unique teeth with different shapes and textures, something that is often related to genetics and which also has a direct relationship with caries.

Stages of tooth decay

Caries usually starts asymptomatically and without visible signs.

• In its initial phase it only erodes tooth enamel.3
• If the caries is not treated at this stage (through a simple filling or filling), the disease will progress until it causes damage to the dentine or nerve of the tooth and this is when the pain begins (it can become very intense).
• Eventually, the progression of the disease may lead to the destruction and loss of the tooth.

To avoid the appearance of caries and, especially, the progression of the disease, it is essential to visit your dentist regularly (at least twice a year). Thanks to these regular check-ups, we can keep our mouth in good condition and solve, quickly and easily, any problems that may appear, such as caries in its initial stages.

This post is purely informational and does not replace a consultation with the dentist in any way. Contact the smile agents team to schedule an appointment with one of the dentists at Smilers Dental Clinic.