Chances are, you will have a cavity at some point during your lifetime. In fact, 92% of adults in the United States will have at least one. Here are six interesting facts about cavities in San Pablo.
1) A cavity is a form of tooth decay
Tooth decay is a scary word. It conjures up visions of rotting teeth, yellowed and crooked smiles we don’t want to think about.
Untreated tooth decay can cause serious health issues. According to studies, 26% of adult Americans between ages 20 and 64 have some form of untreated tooth decay.
Decay can spread, causing an infection that may require surgery and antibiotics.
2) Bacteria cause cavities.
Cavity formation occurs when bacteria get trapped between your teeth’ enamel layer and the outermost surface. Plaque builds up over time, leading to cavity formation. Brushing your teeth regularly and flossing at least once daily can help prevent cavities.
3) Cavities don’t have age limits; they’re not just for kids.
Because cavities can begin forming in your child’s mouth before their first teeth appear, visiting the dentist regularly is essential for helping you keep track of your child’s dental health.
On the one hand, though, older people are experiencing a rise in tooth decay because some medicines dry up their saliva, which protects them from harmful bacteria. This is often caused because certain drugs dry up the saliva, which helps keep the teeth safe from harm.
4) Sugar promotes cavity formation.
Sugar and other carbohydrates often cause an acid in your mouth, weakening your teeth and making them more likely to decay. Fortunately, sugar is usually found alongside proteins in foods, so you can avoid consuming sweets entirely if you want to keep your teeth and body healthy.
5) To prevent cavities, brush twice daily for two minutes each time.
To avoid cavities recurring, you must keep them away from your mouth in the first place.
To keep your teeth healthy, brush and floss daily, and see your dentist every six months for regular checkups.
6) You cannot always tell whether you’re developing cavities
If you don’t go to the dentist regularly, you might miss early warning signs of tooth decay. And because dentists know so much about teeth, they can spot any early warning signs of tooth decays before they get worse.
Your dentist suggests you visit them at least once every six months for a thorough cleaning and check whether anything needs fixing.
Tooth decay can be scary – but it’s manageable. Brushing and flossing regularly, and visiting our dentist every year, can keep your teeth healthy and strong for decades to come. If you need help scheduling an appointment, call us today.
