5 Common Causes of Cavities

When you schedule your routine family dental care, we know that the last thing you want is a cavity or other dental problem. But cavities can be caused by different things, and sometimes you can’t avoid them. 

Whether you need a routine cleaning or have a cavity you want filled, make sure you choose First Hill Dental Center in Seattle for all your family dental care needs. Learn more about the common causes of cavities and schedule an appointment at our dental office today!

What Causes Cavities? 

Cavities happen when the acids from the plaque in your mouth dissolve and eat through the enamel on your teeth. This tooth decay creates holes in your teeth called cavities. Small or moderately sized cavities are able to be filled once properly cleaned up. But if cavities go unnoticed and the tooth decays too deeply, then it becomes too late to just fill that cavity. 

But how do you get enough plaque in your mouth to cause cavities in the first place? There are different foods that can cause cavities, in addition to other problems. In today’s post, we’ll discuss five common causes. But if you’re worried about your own dental hygiene, make sure to ask your dentist! 

Sugar

Sugary foods and drinks put you and your teeth at risk of cavities. The sugar in those foods exists with the bacteria in your mouth to produce an acid. This acid is what eats the enamel of your teeth, causing tooth decay. To help prevent this from happening, make sure you brush your teeth and floss after consuming food or drink with sugar. 

Lack of Oral Hygiene

Are you brushing and flossing at least twice a day? What about after meals? After you eat, small pieces of food can get stuck between your teeth and put your teeth at risk of cavities. Proper oral hygiene helps keep your teeth clean and reduces your chances of developing cavities in the future. 

Dry Mouth

The presence of saliva in your mouth works to clean your teeth and help remove plaque. But if you suffer from dry mouth, then the plaque and bacteria in your mouth can build up quickly. If you know that you’re at risk for dry mouth, talk with your dentist about ways to keep your mouth healthy. 

Bacteria

There is certain bacteria that naturally lives in your mouth and on your teeth. As you’ve already heard, that bacteria can interact with the food you eat, forming cavities. One way to help fight the bacteria that lives in your mouth is to practice proper hygiene! 

Medical Problems  

There are certain medical problems that can put you at an increased risk of developing cavities. Diabetes, oral cancer, acid reflux and treatments for other diseases can weaken your enamel and increase your risk of tooth decay. If you have a medical condition you’re concerned about, talk with your dentist about the best way to care for your teeth.

Schedule Family Dental Care in Seattle Today

We hope that this post helps you better understand what cavities are — and ways you can prevent them from happening in the first place. If you have a cavity that needs to be filled, schedule an appointment at First Hill Dental Center in Seattle today! 

Learn more about our family dental care services and get more tips for improving your dental hygiene when you read through our previous blog posts: 

• Your New Year Dental Health Checklist
• The Effects of Candy on Your Teeth
• Common Emergency Dental Problems
• Keeping Your Teeth Clean at Home
• How Different Beverages Affect Your Teeth