Oral cavities are a major symptom of tooth decay. As we all know, tooth decay can lead to more serious problems later on. Getting a routine cleaning at the dentist is scary enough, but it can get even worse when you’re told you have cavities growing. Did you know that over 90% of American adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have cavities? It’s not just a childhood problem anymore. Let’s get down to business and get to the root of oral cavities.
What Causes Oral Cavities?
On a daily basis, your mouth will be home to thousands if not millions of bacteria. Although some bacteria in your mouth is good, as with all things, moderation is best. If too much bacteria is present in your mouth, they can start attacking your teeth. Over time, your teeth enamel will begin to weaken. Cavities get larger the longer they go undetected and untreated, especially when there’s a lot of plaque in your mouth. Plaque is another cause of oral cavities. Plaque and sugar in your teeth come together to damage your enamel. While brushing and flossing can reduce the amount of plaque in your mouth, you should brush and floss as often and as thoroughly as you can. If oral cavities overwhelm your teeth, you could be in for painful and costly tooth extractions and dental implants.
Here are some other possible causes of oral cavities:
- Too much sugar in your diet
- Not taking care of your teeth
- Medical conditions such as diabetes
- Genetic reasons, such as the size and shape of your teeth
How to Tell You Have Cavities
One of the most telling signs of an oral cavity is a persistent toothache. A toothache is essentially a pain in your tooth, and when you have a cavity, you might experience tooth discomfort after eating or drinking something hot, something cold, or something sweet. Luckily, your dentist can spot any cavities you might be unaware of. So if you think you might have oral cavities, book your next visit as soon as you can! Besides your mouth, teeth, or gums aching, you might also be able to see holes growing in your mouth.
Preventing Oral Cavities
The best way to prevent oral cavities is just watching what you eat and remaining vigilant when it comes to brushing and flossing. These are some healthy habits to improve your overall dental health, so take better care of yourself and get into these routines:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste; don’t forget to replace your toothbrush periodically!
- Remembering to floss every day, especially after brushing.
- Going to the dentist as often as you can, at least every six months or so.
- Staying away from sugary foods, like cookies, and food that can leave debris in your mouth, such as popcorn.
KEEP YOUR TEETH HEALTHY WITH ANNAPOLIS DENTAL CARE
Whether you need a regular check-up or a tooth extracted, Annapolis Dental Care has the expertise and compassion to work with you on improving your oral health. Your comfort and health are our top priorities, so we go above and beyond to make our patients happy and to provide the highest quality care. To set up an appointment today, please give us a call at 410-571-5014 or visit us online. For more oral health tips for you and your family follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube!