Having clean teeth is a sign of self-confidence. Besides the traditional functions like chewing, biting, and aiding digestion, properly aligned teeth support jaw alignment, give the face a proper structure, and improve speech ability. Hence, dental health is no laughing matter. However, despite your best efforts, the dental cavity invades your teeth and challenges you often.
These silent saboteurs of your smile. If not treated well, it further welcomes discomforts like enamel erosion, sensitivity, tooth decay, bad odour, etc., – which wreaks havoc on your oral health. Normal brushing can’t stop it from happening, you will need more than this. But fear not! Here are the simple hacks to help you achieve a flawless smile. But before getting into the nitty-gritty of the topic, it is noteworthy to learn what cavities are.
The Formation of a Dental Cavity
The dental cavity is in simple terms a hole on the surface of the tooth. The cavity formation doesn’t happen overnight, but gradually. Here is how it is formed.
Plaque Formation
The leftover food particles along with saliva form plaque – a thin, film and naturally occurring biofilm. This can usually be removed with proper brushing and flossing. However, when it is deposited in the unreachable corners of the mouth, the plaque becomes hard to remove. Left unremoved, it will be visible typically in less than 24 hours.
Acid Secretion & Enamel Erosion
Subsequently, the millions of bacteria present in the plaque feed on the sugar and carbs in your food and deposit the white thick plaque on the teeth and along the gum line. In addition, these bacteria will release acids that are capable of eroding the tooth enamel – the hardest part that covers the inner parts of the tooth. It also leads to the loss of minerals such as phosphorus and calcium.
Cavity Formation
As a result, the bacteria and the acids find their way beyond the dentin layer which makes the inner part exposed to infection. When left untreated, it can go deeper and deeper and can reach the inner tooth organs like nerves and tissues. Consequently, a cavity, a hole-like structure is formed.
The damaged tissues and nerves will cause extreme pain, sensitivity, receding gums, inflamed gums, and tooth decay. Any delays in the treatment make these cavities spread to subsequent teeth and can invade the entire mouth. Fatally, it can even lead to tooth loss. Though it is reversible, not all the cases will successfully be treated. Hence, the cavities must be addressed ASAP to regain the tooth and prevent any further discomfort. Visit the nearby dentists or just surf into ThreeBestRated®, a top-rated ranking website, to find the best dental clinics in your vicinity.
Difference Between The Plaque And Tartar
In the long term, the plaque hardens to form tartar which is even harder than the plaque to remove. Tartar is yellowish in colour and has a chalky texture. It accumulates on the teeth and along the gum line and results in yellowish teeth. There are no DIY remedies that can help with tartar removal. It requires a dental check-up and special equipment to get it removed.
The Causes of a Dental Cavity
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Poor Hygiene
The first and foremost of the reasons could be the poor hygiene. When you don’t rinse the mouth thoroughly, it can become the breeding ground for the bacteria. Because this practice leaves the food particle for a longer time for the bacteria to feed on. And, the result is already discussed.
Therefore, brushing and flossing twice a day are essential to prevent the plaque’s deposition. It is also advisable to wash your mouth thoroughly after every meal. Now this is where most people fail, as they feel shy about rinsing their mouth due to fear of being ridiculed. Please remember, your health is more important.
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Sugar
You might already know the detrimental effects of sugar on your dental health. Sugar attracts bacteria that are known to cause gum diseases like gingivitis, receding gum, etc. Also, it lowers the mouth’s pH balance. Avoiding a high-sugar diet and sticking with a healthy one will help you eliminate cavity formation.
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Dry Mouth
A dry mouth is one of the causes of cavities. Saliva has antimicrobial properties which wash away bacteria and prevent bacterial growth. Doing so reduces the bad odour. Dry mouth happens for various reasons like mouth breathing, some medications or medical conditions, diabetes, yeast infections, and so on.
To address the reduction in salivary secretion, consult with your doctor. Using non-alcoholic mouthwash and increasing the fluid intake offers an instant and better result. Additionally, chewing sugar-free gums can stimulate salivary secretion.
Additional Tips for a Dental Cavity
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Use Fluoride-Rich Toothpaste
Fluoride is the best-known substance to strengthen the enamel and prevent demineralization. It is also effective in removing the plaque. That’s why the dentists advise to use fluoride-rich toothpaste for oral care. And, it is one of the simplest and best ways to keep the cavities at bay.
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Oil Pulling
A traditional, yet effective preventive method is oil pulling. Oil pulling washes away the bacteria and prevents their growth. It also reduces bad odour, helps to avoid various gum-related and oral diseases, and removes the tarter.
