Have you ever experience a toothache? If you have, you’ll surely remember just how much it hurt and how it ruined your day, even though the influenced area was so small. It’s pretty simple. Our mouths have plenty of bacteria. Where some bacteria are beneficial, some can also be harmful, including those that play a role in tooth decay. Tooth decay, also called cavities, occurs when bacteria inside your mouth produce acid that then starts to infect your teeth. This can give rise to a little hole in a tooth. If this process continues for a long time, more minerals are lost. Many cavities don’t cause much pain at the starting level, therefore it can be difficult to even know that a problem exists. Slowly, the enamel is impaired and damaged, resulting in a cavity. Here are 10 causes of tooth decay.
Bad Oral Hygiene:
Brushing and flossing not only keep your teeth healthy but also prevent severe illnesses. Regular brushing put a stop to plaque formation on all sides of the teeth. Traditionally we’re told to brush our teeth at least two times in a day – morning and night, but it is perfect to brush after each meal. And don’t forget to brush for any less than two minutes.
Sugary foods:
Foods that stick to your teeth increase the chance to develop tooth pain. Sugary foods are the dear companion of all the bacteria present inside your mouth. If you increase sugar consumption, the more acid will produce, resulting in severe tooth decay. When these clingy food items and starches aren’t wiped off your teeth, bacteria immediately start feeding on them and give rise to plaque. Plaque that remains on your teeth can form a clot under or above your gum line into calculus. Immediately seek tooth decay solutions by the cosmetic dentist in Sarasota FL to prevent it from worsening.
Dry mouth problems:
Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, results when the salivary glands cease the production of adequate amounts of saliva. Because saliva plays a crucial role in inhibiting the formation of plaque, people with dry mouth conditions will have more chances to develop dental problems which bring about tooth decay. Dry mouth permits injurious acids, plaque, and food residue to remain on the teeth for a long time, eventually lead to tooth decay.
Genetics:
Yes, dental issues can be inherited. Almost 60% of the risk for tooth decay usually comes from hereditary factors. It was observed that numerous oral health conditions have a genetic background. That denotes you may be at more risk for developing such conditions, irrespective of your habits.
Acidic Foods and Drinks:
When you hear theword “acidic” you more probably think of “soda” when in reality a lot of familiar foods which we eat daily contain acid. You might hear somewhere that you are what you eat. Many people like eating fruits: they’re sickly-sweet, juicy and can be the best source of vitamin C. Nevertheless, some fruits and fruit beverages can be very acidic and swallowing very acidic foods every day can be injurious to your teeth without the correct aftercare.
Frequent snacking:
Few diets suggest eating many small meals every day to maintain weight loss. But don’t forget that excessive snacking and consuming sugary drinks for a long time can multiply the risk of tooth decay. Limit snacking to a short period. Frequent snacking is exposing the teeth to foods and liquids that are harmful to your teeth. Few foods, like soft drinks, are also considered very acidic.
Tooth shape and composition:
People which have teeth with very deep grooves in them catch foods and result in cavities. Thus, misaligned teeth may trap food pieces and bacteria between them.
Alcohol:
Drinking alcohol is harmful to your oral health. Any kind of alcohol, even only a single glass of wine is acidic and can weaken your teeth. Alcohol minimizes the body’s potential to effectively fight against harmful bacteria. Drinkers have a great risk of periodontal illness and tooth decay.
Smoking:
Besides, the destruction they bring about to your heart and lungs, cigarettes also put the worse effect on your oral health. Nevertheless, what many do not notice, is the harm that cigarette can do to your mouth and teeth. It’s injurious for your teeth.
Age:
Ageing isn’t always lovely, and your mouth is no deviation. The aged people are at increased risk to get dental cavities. Cavities can be developed with age.