Your teeth are one of the essential parts of your body. One of the most significant responsibilities of your teeth is mastication. People’s stomachs cannot digest food properly if it is not chewed enough, so your teeth must be in good condition to maintain good health. One of the most common problems people encounter is cavities.
Holes, or cavities, in your teeth, can range in size from tiny to extremely large. Regardless of the size, any hole in your tooth weakens its structure and can eventually lead to severe problems. There are many reasons why you may have holes in your teeth. Here are five of the most common:
Poor Dental Hygiene
If there is one sure way to create cavities, it’s poor dental hygiene. Not brushing and flossing your teeth regularly leaves plaque and tartar to build up on your teeth. It gives the bacteria in your mouth a perfect environment to thrive and create cavities.
Diet
What you eat plays a significant role in the health of your teeth. Eating sugary, sticky, or acidic foods can damage tooth enamel and lead to cavities. It’s because that can lead to plaque. It’s a sticky film that contains bacteria, and it can cause tooth decay. If you have a sweet tooth, brush thoroughly afterward to remove sugar from your teeth.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, also known as GERD, is a condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This can cause heartburn and other symptoms. GERD can also damage teeth by exposing them to stomach acid. The acid can erode tooth enamel, which can lead to cavities.
Smoking
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your teeth. It stains them and increases your risk of developing gum disease and oral cancer. Smoking also dries out your mouth, which can lead to cavities.
Dry Mouth
A dry mouth is a condition in which there is not enough saliva in the mouth. Saliva is essential for keeping the mouth clean and preventing cavities. If you have a dry mouth, drink plenty of water and chew sugarless gum to keep your mouth moist.
Dealing With Cavities
Cavities can cause a lot of problems for your oral health. One of the main problems that cavities cause is tooth loss. It happens because the structure of the tooth weakens and breaks down. Cavities can also lead to pain, infection, and difficulty eating.
The best way to deal with cavities is to prevent them in the first place. Here are some ways to do that:
Practice Good Dental Hygiene
The best way to prevent cavities is to practice good dental hygiene. That means brushing and flossing your teeth every day.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is good for your overall health and teeth. Avoid sugary, sticky, or acidic foods that can damage tooth enamel. Instead, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This can reduce the chances of GERD and a dry mouth.
Hydrate
Drinking plenty of water is good for your teeth and overall health. Water helps wash away food and bacteria that can cause cavities. It also prevents a dry mouth.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking is bad for your teeth and overall health. It increases your risk of developing gum disease, oral cancer, and cavities.
If you have cavities, there are several ways to treat them. The best way to treat a cavity is to see your dentist.
Visiting the Dentist
Cavities are the great enemy of many dentists. So visiting your local dental clinic gives you various options when dealing with cavities. The first option is to get a filling. This is a common procedure in which the dentist removes the cavity and fills it with a material such as amalgam or composite resin.
The next option is to get a crown. A crown is a type of dental restoration that covers the entire tooth. It is used to treat severely decayed or damaged teeth.
You can also get a root canal. This is a procedure in which the dentist removes the nerve and blood supply from the tooth. The tooth is then filled and sealed.
Holes in your teeth are a serious problem that can lead to many problems if left untreated. The best way to deal with cavities is to prevent them in the first place. However, the dentist can help you with treatments if you have developed cavities. So avoid cavities whenever you can and get them treated once you discover them the first time.
