What really causes cavities? Top tips from our West End dentists

Most of us know that poor dental hygiene can result in cavities, but do you know the science behind it? What really causes cavities, and how to stop them? 

The dentists at The Practice are very familiar with cavities, having helped thousands of patients at our West End dental clinic by treating them and offering practical advice on how to prevent them. In this blog article, we’ll talk about what actually causes a cavity, how it forms, and simple steps you can take to keep your teeth healthy and decay-free.

Cavities – a simple explanation

What is a cavity exactly? Basically, a cavity is a small hole in your tooth that is caused by decay. It can happen when acids from bacteria slowly eat away at the hard enamel on your teeth. A cavity can start small, but grow if it’s left untreated.

Let’s talk more about how cavities form

Step 1 – Plaque builds up: Did you know that bacteria naturally live in your mouth? It feeds on leftover food that’s caught in your teeth and forms a sticky layer called ‘plaque’.

Step 2 – The acid starts to attack: This bacterium releases acids which begin to erode the enamel of your teeth.

Step 3 – Enamel breakdown: Now, over time, the acid starts to create tiny holes in the enamel of your teeth. This is the first stage of a cavity. 

Step 4 – Decay: If it’s left untreated, the decay can get worse and go deeper into the deeper layers of your tooth, causing pain and infection. 

The common causes of cavities

According to our experienced South Brisbane dentists, some of the most common causes of cavities include: 

• Eating an excessive amount of sugary or starchy foods, frequently.
• Not brushing your teeth, or flossing, properly or for long enough.
• Dry mouth.
• Smoking.
• Medications that reduce saliva.
• Lack of check-ups at the dentist.

Is there anyone more at risk of developing cavities? 

When it comes to cavities, everyone is susceptible, kids, teens, adults and older adults. The risk of cavities can increase if you snack often, have braces and don’t brush or floss properly or struggle with dental hygiene. 

Are there early signs of cavities? 

Yes, there are certain signs to look out for so you can catch cavities early. They include:

• Tooth sensitivity, especially when eating hot or cold food, or food that is sweet.
• Tooth pain or a visible pit or dark spot on your tooth. 
• Bad breath – or a bad taste in your mouth. 

At times, there are no symptoms until the cavity is more advanced. 

How to prevent cavities – our dentist tips

Here are some simple things you can do to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss every day to remove food and plaque between your teeth. 
• Limit sugary and sticky foods. 
• Book in for regular dental checkups and cleans.

Learn more about the benefits of regular dental checkups.

Treat and prevent cavities with help from the dentists at The Practice

They start small, but cavities can turn into much bigger problems. Now that you know the causes and how to prevent them, you can take steps to keep your smile healthy and take care of your oral health. 

At The Practice, we help the patients of our West End dental clinic stay on top of their oral care. By following simple steps like brushing and flossing regularly, limiting sugary snacks, and keeping up with dental check-ups, you can significantly reduce your risk of cavities.

Remember, early detection makes all the difference. So don’t wait for a toothache, stay proactive, book your dental checkup and clean today!