WHAT CAUSES CAVITIES?

Cavities refer to tooth decay.

CAUSE:

When we eat/drink something, these is naturally a layer of the

foodstuff formed on all surfaces of our teeth which needs to be cleaned

off right away. This layer when having sugar if not cleaned,

(carbohydrates) attracts the bacteria (already present in the oral cavity)

and behaves like a food for them. Thus the bacteria stick on the tooth

surface while having their meal and multiply. In the process of eating,

they release acid as a by product which is also now in contact with the

tooth surface and slowly starts eating and dissolving the tooth structure

forming a hole in the tooth called A cavity.

WHAT DOES A CAVITY LOOK/FEEL LIKE?

 A hole in the tooth

 Black/Dark Brown in colour

 Causing sensitivity to cold/ hot food stuff

 Pain while biting / chewing

WHY DO SOME PEOPLE HAVE MORE CAVITIES THAN OTHERS?

A common question; I always do thorough brushing and rinsing of my

teeth still, I develop cavities; why?

There are a few factors that need to be kept in mind.

o Sugar and soda Intake: - No matter how aware you are In case

you have a sweet tooth and sip on soda frequently during the day,

the tooth fairy want be your best friend.

o Saliva content:- Some people have a naturally potent saliva to

fight decay and is efficient enough to protect your teeth; some

people don’t.

o Heredity:- Yes, you can blame your parents for not giving you

healthy teeth.

o Dry mouth:- Some people have low production; hence quantity

of saliva in mouth because of which saliva is not able to wash off

the food efficiently.

o Medical problems:- Some problems like GERD (Gastro

Esophageal Reflux Disease) causes acid in your stomach to flow

back into your mouth causing cavities.

HOW TO AVOID CAVITIES?

 Cut down on sugary food and aerated drinks.

 Rinse after every meal.

 Brush your teeth till the last tooth in the back from all directions.

 Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

 Floss and Brush twice daily; especially before going to bed.

 Visit a dentist every 6 months for regular checkup.