2 Cavity Myths to Stop Believing Now

Cavities don’t just magically appear. They are caused by bacteria in your mouth that break down food into acid and help create plaque. The acids eat away at tooth enamel causing damage or holes we call cavities that can put your teeth at risk.

This is why brushing, flossing, and regular professional teeth cleaning can help keep your teeth healthy and strong. Dental exams are important too, so that cavities can be caught and treated early before they have done too much damage.

One of the myths about cavities is that you will know when you have one.

But, cavities have usually been eating away at your teeth a long time before you feel anything. They only start to hurt when they get close to the nerve in the center of your tooth and by that time they are pretty serious.

Another common myth is that only children get cavities.

People who do not take care of their teeth are at a high risk for cavities.

Getting older puts you at risk too. Older adults commonly get new cavities as their gums recede or pull away from the teeth. This exposes new areas of the teeth to bacteria, plaque, and acids. These cavities can be even more dangerous since they happen at the narrowest part of the teeth and are close to the nerve.

The seal around old fillings and crowns can also wear away over time, leaving areas for new cavities to start next to the prior treatment.  

And, sometimes medications, dry mouth syndrome, or using sugary throat lozenges can make you more susceptible to tooth decay.

The good news is that cavities can be prevented.

Following the ADA guidelines of brushing twice and flossing once a day can keep plaque and food debris from sticking to your teeth. Regular dental exams and professional teeth cleanings are also important parts of any cavity prevention program.

If you are in Orange County, CA and don’t already have a dentist you love, we would love to help you keep your mouth healthy, happy, and cavity free.

You can call us at (714) 633-2562  Orange CA