Important Things About Cavities

Cavities affect more people than any other chronic dental health issue, but they are still widely misunderstood in many important areas. For instance, many patients still believe that sugar is the main reason they develop cavities, or that their risk of cavities decreases as they grow older.

The truth, though, is that tooth decay and cavities can affect virtually anyone, and can development from a variety of factors that includes much more than just sugar. The good news, however, is that cavities are highly preventable good hygiene and proper dental care.

They Don’t Rely On Sugar

Sugar is a significant contributor to tooth decay and cavities, but if you only focus on eliminating sugar from your diet, you may miss the other factors of cavity development. Sugar is only one type of carbohydrate that feeds certain oral bacteria (the strain, Streptococcus mutans), which convert the carbs into acids that attack your teeth’s protective layer of enamel. Eventually, the acid will wear a hole in the layer, known as a cavity, and it will grow larger as bacteria infect the tooth structure underneath it.

They Can Affect Anyone

Children may be more likely to develop cavities simply because they are less likely to consistently adhere to a good hygiene routine. Yet, adults are just as likely to develop tooth decay if they don’t practice good hygiene, or if they neglect to attend their routine dental checkup and cleaning appointments.

They Can Be Treated Without Metal

Metal fillings are a common treatment for cavities, but they are not necessarily the most beneficial option. Often, tooth-colored fillings made from composite resin provide a more effective solution, as well as a more cosmetically appealing one. The resin is comprised of acrylic and quartz-like particles, and can be bonded more securely to your tooth than metal amalgam.