What Causes Dental Cavities

One of the main reasons as to why it is a good idea to go to the dentist twice a year for a professional exam and cleaning is to prevent cavities. A cavity is a hole that forms in your tooth due to the effects of tooth decay. Unfortunately, there are several reasons as to why somebody may develop a cavity.

Plaque is the main culprit in causing cavities. Plaque is a white, sticky substance that is constantly forming in our mouths. Bacteria are contained within the plaque, and these bacteria feed off of the sugar in the food that we consume. As the bacteria convert this sugar into energy, they produce an acidic waste that is harmful to the enamel on the teeth. Eventually, these acids will start to eat away at the tooth and cause cavities to form. This is the reason why dentists advise their patients against regularly eating sugary foods, as they directly lead to cavities.

Failure to brush and floss your teeth encourages plaque to proliferate. Even if you do brush and floss your teeth daily, you still need to see the dentist regularly. It is unfortunately not possible to remove all of the plaque on our own, so a professional cleaning will take care of the areas that were missed. Also, be sure to use a fluoride toothpaste when you brush your teeth. Fluoride works to remineralize your teeth and make your teeth more resistant to the effects of the acid that plaque produces. Using tobacco products, whether it is in the form of smoking or chewing, can also lead to cavities. A dry mouth is yet another factor that can lead to cavities, because saliva helps cleanse your teeth of food particles that can be used by plaque to produce acids.

If cavities are not treated before the tooth decay becomes worse, then it can affect the root of your tooth. At this point, you may need a root canal and crown to regain the tooth’s proper structure and function. If you feel as though you may have reached this point, contact our expert in emergency root canal in Los Angeles to set up an appointment.

Back to Blog