Cavities - Why?

Coming to the dentist would not have to be so bad if no one had to hear, 'Oh, I see a cavity.'  Most patients dread the needle, the taste, the sensitivity, the numb feeling.  There is definitely so much uncomfortable, to say the least, about getting a cavity filled.  

So, we all fear being told we have a cavity, but why don’t we do things to prevent them?

A cavity is this whole in you tooth that is created from the food you eat.  The foods you eat react with a natural forming substance found on your teeth, plaque.  Bacteria stick to the food and plaque reaction, and start to eat your tooth.  First bacteria eat into your enamel, then the dentin, and finally if you wait to get it fixed it will eat into the nerve.  If bacteria reach the nerve you will get an infection.

Infections are painful.  They can cause swelling.  Infections can also drain into a puss pimple on the outside of the gum, known as an abscess.

What foods are bad foods?  

Most obvious bad food, soda a.k.a.  battery acid to enamel.  Sugars, juices, fruit snacks, candy, and even natural fruit because of the high sugar content could be cavity causing. Some patients realize its "mints", or "coffee with honey."  You can definitely eat and drink whatever you want, but maybe try rinsing with water to flush the sugars and bacteria out.  Also, try using a straw with drinks to bypass your teeth.

Hopefully, now you are little bit frightened and will do your best to prevent cavities.  They can be fixed, but once they are fixed you must still take care for your teeth.

Okay, okay, okay.  You do watch your sticky food intake, and rinse with water, and brush, floss, and use a mouth rinse, but you're still getting cavities.  There can be many reasons.  Is it possible hereditary, acid reflux, age, pregnancy?  Yes.  Talk with you dentist and doctor if you have concerns.