Cavities are a nuisance, and they’re also a big part of dental anxiety. When a cavity forms, it will need to be fixed to avoid further tooth damage, infection, or the loss of the tooth. Many people will experience at least one cavity throughout their life, and learning just how a cavity forms can help to teach you how to avoid cavities in the future. Here’s some helpful information to learn the causes and effects of cavities, as well as preventative steps you can take for a healthier smile.

Oral Bacteria

The initial stages of how cavities form involves bacteria, which lives within even the cleanest mouth. Of the hundreds of different types of bacteria that naturally live within the human mouth, some are helpful and some are harmful to our oral health. Good bacteria helps balance the pH level in your mouth, while bad bacteria converts sugars and starches from the food we eat and turns them into acids. These acids can eat away the minerals that make up the surface of our teeth. Cavities form when bad mouth bacteria overruns good bacteria – which can also cause gum disease, periodontal disease, bad breath, and abscesses.

Bad bacteria can bind together to form plaque (the sticky coating that builds up on teeth).  That’s why it’s so important to brush and floss daily. While sticking to the teeth, the bacteria in plaque uses the sugar and starch substances it gets from foods or drinks like sugary sweets, juice, and even milk to create acids right on the tooth’s surface.

Fortunately, our teeth are equipped to provide protection against acid erosion each time we eat or drink through natural remineralization and good oral hygiene habits. It’s when sugary treats are ingested too frequently that teeth are unable to protect themselves.  The acids begin to wear away the enamel, then the tooth’s surface, thus creating the crevasse in the tooth called a cavity.


Cavity Development

It’s this repeated acid erosion that eats away tooth surfaces and causes cavities, but it can be prevented. When acidic, sugary, or starchy substances are ingested too frequently, teeth can become weak and susceptible to decay. When the enamel begins to weaken to the point of becoming close to cavity formation, you may see a bright white spot on the surface of the tooth, and this will tell you that it’s time to do more to help your teeth fight the acids harming their surface. Once a cavity forms, it will require intervention by a dentist to repair the tooth to prevent further damage.

Cavity Prevention

One of the best ways to prevent cavities is regular brushing, flossing, and using a toothpaste with fluoride to clear away bacteria, acid, and help the natural remineralization of your teeth. Limiting the amount of sugary and starchy foods in your diet will also help reduce the amount of cavity-causing acids your teeth are exposed to. It’s equally important to keep up with regular dentist visits for cleanings and checkups to help prevent cavities from forming, and treat existing cavities you may not even know you have.

Have more questions about how cavities form, or concerned you may have a cavity? Schedule your next dental exam with Dr. Marostica at Tigard TenderCare Dental. Our staff cares about the individual needs of each patient and strives to help you achieve a brighter and healthier smile.