10 Most Common Causes of Tooth Decay and Cavities

You attend your bi-yearly dentist visit and are told you have a cavity. Your surprise is evident, as you have never had one before and can't figure out why. Thinking it is simply a fluke, you continue on as before and attend your next visit. Another cavity has appeared. What has happened and what can you do to stop more cavities from forming?

The first thing you need to do is get the current cavities filled. Leaving them untreated leaves you open for the decay to spread to other teeth. Once this is done, you need to examine your life and look for something that may have changed over the past year.

1. Stress

Stress can lower your immune system and cause many other body changes. It can also cause you to forget normal routines like regular brushing or see you eating more comfort foods containing sugar.

2. Brushing Too Much

   Brushing too often can create damage to the enamel on your teeth. Once the enamel is damaged, decay can set in quickly.

3. Not Brushing/Flossing Correctly

   Not brushing the proper length of time or in the correct manner can see you missing spots. Not flossing can see bits of food left behind to create decay.

4. Exercising More

   Exercising causes a dry mouth. Teeth are more likely to decay when there is no saliva to help wash away impurities.

5. Cold or Flu

   Again, a prolonged period when your mouth is dry, as can be caused by medications. Dry mouth leads to many dental issues that cause tooth decay.

6. Receding Gums

   This can cause your tooth roots to be exposed to bacteria. As roots don’t have protective enamel covering, they become more susceptible to decay.

7. Chemotherapy

   The drugs used in chemotherapy can result in a dry mouth, which causes tooth decay and cavities over time.

8. More Acidic Foods

   Many common foods that you eat daily contain acid. Acidic foods, such as fruits and juices can damage tooth enamel.

9. Increased Sugar Intake

   Sugar hides in many forms in products you may not expect. The bacteria start feeding on sugar producing damaging acids that result in plaque formation.

10. Braces

    It becomes harder to brush and floss your teeth with braces. These can make it difficult to reach all the crevices between teeth.

It’s important to avoid these common causes of cavities to get a healthy mouth. Visiting your dentist on a regular basis prevents many dental issues. Schedule an appointment with Plaza Dental Group, a dentist in Des Moines and prevent tooth decay.