Most common causes of cavities in the teeth — and how to prevent them

Cavities are incredibly common affecting of adults between the ages of and but they are often preventable Also known as dental caries cavities are damaged areas in the hard parts of the teeth caused by tooth decay according to Mayo Clinic These areas become tiny openings or holes that can lead to toothaches infections and even tooth loss When a cavity is just starting you may not have any markers at all That s why it s pivotal to be checked regularly at a dentist says the Centers for Sickness Control and Prevention CDC Even if your mouth feels fine a professional may be able to pick up on smaller signals before the decay grows IS OZEMPIC RUINING YOUR TEETH WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT IMPACT ON DENTAL HEALTHOnce the decay gets larger there may be markers like toothaches sharp pains when eating visible holes in the teeth staining on the surface of a tooth or pain when biting Dental plaque forming in the mouth is what leads to tooth decay the process that creates cavities Plaque forms when bacteria in the mouth mixes with sugary or starchy food like milk juice bread and pasta according to Cleveland Clinic FLUORIDE EXPOSURE LINKED TO DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS ON STRENGTH OF PREGNANT WOMEN INFANTSIf those sugars and starches are not removed from the teeth through healthy habits like regular flossing and brushing after meals bacteria begin feeding on them the above source states The acids from bacteria strip away tooth enamel leaving tiny openings that mark the beginning stages of a cavity Bacteria and acid can enter through these holes and reach the vulnerable inner parts of the teeth causing pain and more severe problems Fox News Digital previously spoke to Dr Ricky Marshall about the impact of stomach acid and saliva production on dental wellness The amount of acid coming up and contacting the teeth will absolutely contribute to increased tooth decay explained Marshall who is the owner of Stratland Dental in Glendale Arizona and a dentist at Wolff Family Dentistry Orthodontics in Queen Creek Arizona A combination of dry mouth and increased stomach acid can be detrimental to teeth he revealed BRUSH FLOSS MOUTHWASH DENTISTS REVEAL WHAT THEY BELIEVE IS THE CORRECT ORDERDry mouth linked to causes like snoring and potentially certain medications can increase the peril of tooth decay due to reduced saliva production Your saliva clears away the acid and helps to repair the enamel the CDC states on its website If the repair isn't fast enough bacteria get inside your tooth and make cavities Cleveland Clinic recommends brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled brush twice a day and ideally after every meal CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR ROBUSTNESS NEWSLETTERExperts also recommend cutting back on sugary starchy foods and drinks As mentioned above these can mix with bacteria and promote the buildup of dental plaque For more Healthcare articles visit www foxnews com robustness You should visit your dentist every year especially to find any cavities the CDC advises For small cavities your dentist may recommend using fluoride or other products Large cavities may require fillings or even root canals