cavities

Everyone grew up with the idea that sugar causes cavities. But is sugar really the cause of tooth decay? Not exactly. Sugar consumption can lead to the formation of cavities, but sugar itself doesn’t cause them. Once the science behind cavity formation is understood, it’s easy to see why it can be more harmful to eat a few small pieces of candy throughout the day than to eat a large candy bar in one sitting.

The Real Culprit Behind Tooth Decay

It’s not the sugar itself, but rather the debris left behind in the mouth after eating sugar that leads to decay. Bacteria in the mouth digest the sugar that’s left behind after eating that cookie (or even from healthy foods). The bacteria produce an acid that works with saliva to form plaque on the teeth, and that plaque is what builds up, leading to tooth decay if it isn’t brushed away quickly. As plaque builds on the teeth, it wears down the enamel, leaving behind tiny holes on the tooth’s surface. As the bacteria and acid continue to eat through the tooth, eventually they reach the pulp, which contains the nerves and blood vessels. Once a cavity gets this deep, the person starts experiencing severe pain and sensitivity.

Preventive Measures

The easiest way to avoid tooth decay is to prevent plaque in the first place.

• Avoid plaque buildup by eating fibrous fruit, yogurt, and sugarless candy. Even hard candy and breath mints get stuck between teeth, so only sugarless should be chosen. Fruit and yogurt are easy to wash away with saliva alone, making them better on the teeth.
• Put back the snacks. Eating throughout the day restarts the plaque buildup. More debris is added to the teeth with each bite. So eating one piece of candy adds debris to the teeth that the saliva attempts to wash away in the next 30 minutes. But eating a second piece an hour later restarts the whole process, making snacking worse than eating one large snack or piece of candy at once.
• Avoid acidic foods like sodas and even certain citrus fruit unless teeth can be brushed immediately after. Instead, try a black or green tea, which can help suppress harmful bacteria to prevent decay.

Improving one's oral health is the best way to prevent cavities. Teeth should be brushed with fluoride toothpaste and flossed daily, and regular appointments and cleanings should be scheduled with a dentist. Depending on a person’s teeth, a dentist may also suggest fluoride treatments or tablets to strengthen teeth and prevent decay.

Are you feeling tooth pain or worried about a potential cavity? Contact Kozica Dental to schedule an appointment in the Worcester area today!