5 Common Causes of Cavities

When it comes to the integrity of the enamel of teeth, many things can act as causes of cavities. Several habits should be integrated daily to combat these causes, such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using fluoride mouthwash at the beginning and end of each day. For those seeking general dental services in Texas, Supreme Dentistry is a great partner in battling all the everyday forces that degrade Americans’ dental and oral health.

Dental Cavities Symptoms

There are many different ways to tell if a cavity begins to form or has already formed in a tooth or teeth. Some of the symptoms to keep a look out for are listed below:

Mouth pain or toothache
Swelling of gums and other soft tissues
Bleeding gums
Bad breath
Sensitivity to hot or cold when eating and drinking

Causes of Cavities

Many might ignore the first signs of tooth decay as cavities as momentary inconveniences, but they can be indicators of greater issues with teeth enamel, such as cavities. Dental cavities symptoms are easy to detect if understood and worked to be prevented daily with healthy dental behaviors. Knowing what the symptoms are beforehand is the only way to pay consistent attention to the overall health of teeth.

There are several causes for cavities, but some common ones include the following.

1. Oral Hygiene

As is well known by dental professionals and non-specialists alike, brushing your teeth is one of the most important things. Brushing twice a day or, ideally, after every significant meal removes the plaque and bacteria from the surface of the teeth, making tartar less likely to adhere to teeth. Floss and mouthwash remove the same bacteria from in between teeth and from the soft surfaces of the mouth like the cheeks and tongue.

2. Diet

What passes beyond the teeth, over the tongue, and into the digestive tract is just as important as what is left behind. Highly acidic or sugary foods, especially if ingested over a day, are highly damaging to the surface of teeth. A diet with corrosive ingredients or that doesn’t support a healthy calcium level, and other supplements can only work to weaken enamel and allow cavities to occur.

3. Dry mouth

The natural saliva in the mouth is imperative to rinse away bacteria, food debris, and plaque. If the mouth does not have the normal saliva levels, it would be significantly less likely to clean the mouth the way it’s supposed to, even with the suggested oral hygiene habits from a dentist. Dry mouth can also contribute to gum disease by breaking the gum tissue, allowing infection to set in.

4. Teeth Grinding (and Other Trauma)

Trauma to the surface of the teeth, similar to how dry mouth affects the gums, creates fissures and cracks in the surface of the teeth. These cracks can hold onto bacteria, plaque, and debris, causing cavities to grow and infections to take root. Talk to a dentist about how to treat teeth grinding to avoid the presentation of cavities.

5. Overbrushing

Though it may seem counterintuitive, teeth can be brushed too often or too aggressively. Too often, heavy-handed brushing can ultimately lead to broken gum tissue, weakened enamel, and exacerbated tooth day.

Discover How Supreme Dentistry Can Help

If symptoms of cavities have been noticed or to prevent the possibility of them arising, call the professionals at Supreme Dentistry at 844.966.2333. A simple cleaning, filling, or preventative treatment can make a world of difference for those wanting to avoid the formation of cavities and have cleaner, healthier mouths. Reach out today to schedule an appointment.