There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about oral hygiene, especially when it comes to cavities. We constantly hear that many different foods, drinks, and all sugary candies cause cavities, and that the formation of cavities is beyond your control. Neither of which are true. We are taking a closer look at what cause cavities and discrediting some of the most common misconceptions.
Sugar is the only contributing factor to cavity formation. This is a widely believed myth. Many people falsely attribute cavities to sweets and candies. The thinking goes that if you eat more sugar-rich foods that you’ll be almost certain of getting a mouthful of cavities. While eating foods high in sugar and carbohydrates doesn’t directly cause cavities and certainly isn’t the only factor, a diet high in these foods does contribute to the decay that eventually can cause cavities.
The word caries means decay in Latin, and dental caries a.k.a. cavities are caused by the breakdown of your tooth by bacteria. As bacteria in the mouth processes sugar and carbohydrates, an acid byproduct is created in your mouth that ultimately erodes your tooth’s enamel and dentin. Over time this erosion can result in dental cavities. In other words, the acid byproduct is the real culprit that leads to tooth decay. So it’s not actually sugars and carbohydrates themselves that create tooth decay – but eating these foods in excess certainly doesn’t help. You can significantly reduce the amount of plaque that’s formed in your mouth by reducing the consumption of foods rich in sugar and carbohydrates.
Kids are more likely to get cavities than adults. Myth. Everyone is susceptible to dental caries, age isn’t necessarily an influence but there are other risk factors that cause tooth decay.
If you have a cavity you’ll know. This is another common myth. Tooth sensitivity does not necessarily mean you have a cavity. Mild tooth decay will not cause any symptoms. The discomfort sometimes associated with cavities can be avoided by keeping regular checkups and letting your dentist find and fix the cavity before it causes any pain.
There is no way to prevent the formation of cavities. Myth, The National Institute of Dental Research and American Dental Association consider cavities preventable. You have the power to prevent cavities and plaque buildup on your teeth. Regular flossing and brushing your teeth at least twice a day helps to gently remove the plaque build-up and decay.
Fillings will eventually need to be replaced. Another misconception. As long as you keep up a good dental routine your fillings have no expiration date and should last your entire life. Once the tooth decay is treated and removed it will stop. However you can develop decay in other areas of the tooth.
Major Cavity Misconceptions Debunked
Don’t let these myths fool you. Hopefully you now have a better understanding of how cavities form, what causes them, and how you can better prevent them. Remember that regularly brushing your teeth and flossing helps to remove these harmful bacteria and reduce the incidence of dental plaque formation. You can continue to enjoy your favorite sweets and sodas in moderation as long as you are practicing good dental hygiene. Now that’s something to smile about!
