Do you have sensitive teeth that ache after eating ice, hot soup, and other acidic foods? If so, you might be prone to getting cavities. In fact, if you have any of the following risk factors for getting cavities, you should take special care to prevent them from developing. Cavities are also known as dental caries or tooth decay. They’re small holes in your teeth that develop when sugars from food stay long enough in your mouth to cause bacterial infection. These bacteria break down the natural sugars found in starches and sugars, producing lactic acid as a byproduct. When this acidic environment persists for too long, it leads to demineralisation of your enamel and dentin (the “inside” layers of your teeth), which is what we call a cavity.
What are the risk factors in dental caries or cavities?
When you have a higher risk of developing dental cavities, you’ll notice symptoms earlier on. You should keep an eye out for these signs:
Sensitivity to Hot or Cold – If you can’t eat ice cream without wincing or you can’t enjoy a cold drink on a warm summer day, you may have already developed sensitive teeth that are prone to dental caries.
Swollen or Bleeding Gums – If your gums start to look red and swollen, you’re at a higher risk of developing cavities. If it gets bad enough, your gums might bleed when you brush your teeth.
Bad Breath – This can be a sign of a small tooth cavity or decay developing in your teeth.
Your Age
Tooth decay are most commonly found in children, teens, and young adults. This is because their tooth enamel hasn’t completed calcifying yet and their permanent teeth haven’t come in yet, making them more susceptible to dental cavities. The older you get, the less likely it is that you’ll experience a cavity. This is because your teeth will naturally calcify, strengthening and hardening them over time. You’ll also be less likely to experience sensitivity, since your teeth will be less porous.
Your Food Diet
Your diet is one of the biggest factors in preventing cavities. This is especially true if you have a family history of tooth decay. If you’re prone to developing cavities, it’s best to avoid any foods that are known to cause tooth decay. Some of the worst offenders include:
Sugary Beverages – Soda, juice, and iced tea are all high in sugar, which feeds the bacteria in your mouth and causes tooth decay. When you drink these beverages, you’re actually bathing your teeth in sugar.
Carbonated Drinks – These contain sugar and citric acid, which also leads to tooth decay.
Foods High in Starch – Potatoes, rice, and other starches cause bacteria to thrive in your mouth and create acid that leads to tooth decay.
Foods High in Sugar – Candy, cookies, and other sugary foods are the main culprits. But even something as seemingly harmless as honey can lead to tooth decay.
Your Oral Health Habits
These are different than the ones you use to maintain your oral health. Your oral health habits involve every aspect of taking care of your teeth, like flossing, brushing, and visiting your dentist.
Brushing Your Teeth: This is by far the most important oral health habit you can have. Brushing your teeth twice a day, with a fluoride toothpaste, is the best way to prevent cavities. the you have a family history of tooth decay, you should brush your teeth more than twice a day.
Flossing: This is the number one way to prevent cavities from developing between your teeth. If you don’t floss regularly, you’re more likely to get a gum disease, which can cause you to lose teeth.
Drinking Enough Water: Drinking more water can help combat bad breath and reduce the risk of cavities. If you don’t drink enough water, your mouth becomes more acidic, which leads to tooth decay.
Your Genetics
While it’s impossible to predict if you’ll get cavities, your genetics do play a role in how likely it is that you’ll get them. If your family has a history of tooth decay, you may be more likely to develop cavities. Sometimes, a diagnosis of a cavity isn’t enough; it may be necessary to remove a tooth. If your dentist finds dental cavities you can’t keep up with, you may be advised to have it removed. This dental procedure is called an extraction. In most cases, if a tooth has a large enough cavity, your dentist will recommend removing it.
Conclusion
Dental caries are caused by bacteria in your mouth that feed on sugars found in certain foods. The bacteria produce lactic acid, which can lead to tooth decay if it isn’t removed. If you want to prevent cavities, it’s important to stick to a healthy diet and oral hygiene routine. You may also want to consider using a fluoride mouthwash or fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen your teeth.
