What causes cavities?
A cavity is a small (or large!) hole in the tooth caused by plaque – a sticky, slimy substance that is full of bacteria and germs. Plaque sticks to the outer surface of your teeth, releasing acid that creates tiny holes. These tiny holes keep getting bigger until they cause cavities.
A cavity creates an opening for harmful bacteria to enter your tooth and do damage. The bacteria “eat away” at the sensitive nerve endings under the hard surface of your tooth, eventually causing a toothache.
The moral of the story
It is very important to see your dentist regularly for preventative checkups and cleanings. Your dentist and dental hygienist have been specially trained to spot cavities and can find hidden problems using special x-rays and other tools. The hygienist will clean your teeth, removing all the bad plaque that your brush may have missed. If you have a cavity, the dentist will also remove any decay caused by the bacteria and fill the cavity with tooth-coloured material to stop the bacteria dead in its tracks.
What you can do to prevent cavities
Brushing and flossing regularly (twice a day!) is one of the very best ways to prevent cavities. In fact, regular flossing may actually stimulate your teeth to fill in small cavities, making them good as new again!
But plaque is a very sticky material and can be difficult to remove completely. Cavities also develop in areas where your toothbrush can’t reach – such as the tiny crevices and grooves that exist naturally on the tops and sides of your teeth. That’s why it’s so important to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings.
Here are a few more tips to help you get rid of that bad bacteria:
• When you brush your teeth, remember to brush in a circular motion, to try to clean the hard-to-reach areas.
• Flossing regularly is a must! It is the only way to remove food particles that get stuck between your teeth.
• Don’t forget to gently brush your gums too, because the bad bacteria in your teeth can also live in your gums, and cause gum disease and bad breath.
• Try to avoid eating or drinking sugary foods – but if you do, brush your teeth right after you eat so that the sugar doesn’t have time to get stuck to your teeth and turn into plaque.