Why do teeth get cavities / holes?

There are FOUR separate things that when left to work together will cause teeth to get cavities/holes.

Causes of decay:

• *Sugary and acidic foods and drinks – This is where it all begins. Since we all have to eat and drink to live, there’s no way to avoid this, but it does play a significant role in the formation of cavities. When you eat or drink, carbohydrates/sugars remain on your teeth until you brush. Even after brushing, you may not be able to remove all food particles or carbohydrates from your teeth. Foods that tend to cling to your teeth can increase your risk for a tooth cavity. Be sure to brush your teeth regularly, especially after drinking milk or soda, or after eating dried fruit, dry cereal, hard candy, caramel, taffy, raisins, sugary cereals, cookies, and breath mints.
• *Plaque – Plaque is caused when bacteria, acid, food particles, and saliva all combine in your mouth. This plaque adheres to your teeth and builds up over time. The acid in plaque attacks the enamel of your tooth and eventually can cause holes in your teeth, otherwise known as cavities.
• *Poor oral hygiene – Not brushing this layer of plaque off allows it to stay attached to the teeth and continue to demineralise the enamel over a continued period of time
• *Medical issues – can contribute to a tooth cavity by causing acid from your stomach to flow back into your mouth. Similarly, bulimia increases the risk of a tooth cavity when the teeth are exposed to stomach acid during frequent vomiting. In addition, some types of cancer treatment that expose the head and neck to radiation can promote a tooth cavity by changing the makeup of the saliva to promote increased bacterial growth.

Sugars attached to the teeth in plaque and when this is left for some time will cause softening of the hard enamel shell. Eventually, this will lead to a hole through the enamel. This will cause us to get cavities in our teeth which will progress through the dentine layer to the nerve if not treated causing pain and infections.

For more information:

This is why teeth get cavities. For information on signs/symptoms and for preventative advice, visit our website using the link below or wait for the next blog.

If you are worried about cavities or want more information on the different treatment options, click here.