Dental cavities, also known as caries, are a common oral health problem that affects people of all ages.
In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that caries affect close to 3.5 billion people worldwide, of which 2 billion suffer a chronic version of it, and children account for 544 million.
But what really are the causes of dental cavities which have led to such widespread epidemics of dental decay? Let’s examine some myths and uncover the true culprits behind them.
If only! While it’s true that children are particularly susceptible to dental cavities, with almost half of kids aged 2-11 having had cavities in their baby teeth, adults are not off the hook.
In fact, as we age, we face new challenges like receding gums that expose vulnerable root surfaces. These areas can be the most common for the cavity causing bacteria to flourish.
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that over 90% of adults have had dental cavities at some point in their lives. Additionally, nearly one in four adults aged 20-64 currently have untreated cavities. This statistic underscores the importance of continuous dental care throughout life, not just in childhood.Â
While sugar does play a significant role, it’s not the sugar itself that is the major contributor to dental cavities. The real culprits are the bacteria in your mouth that feed on sugars and produce acids as a by product, ultimately forming a sticky biofilm called plaque.
These acids are what erode the enamel on your teeth, leading to cavities. Therefore, it’s not just the amount of sugar you consume but how long it stays on your teeth that matters.
Frequent snacking on sugary foods increases the risk of dental cavities more than the quantity consumed in a single sitting.
This is because bacteria produce acid every time you eat for about 20 minutes afterwards. So, sipping sugary drinks or munching on snacks throughout the day gives bacteria more time to damage your teeth. So, while reducing your sugar intake is essential, it’s not the only solution.
While brushing is vital, it’s only one part of a comprehensive oral care routine. Brushing alone cannot reach the spaces between your teeth, where food particles and bacteria often get trapped.
Flossing and using mouthwash are equally important to remove these hidden dangers and reduce the risk of dental cavities. People who floss regularly have a significantly lower incidence of dental cavities than those who don’t.
Moreover, using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash can strengthen your enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks.
While mouthwash and toothpaste containing fluoride are useful tools in the fight against tooth decay, they are not the sole saviour.
Fluoride slows down the decay process by strengthening teeth’s defences against acid attacks. However, it does not completely prevent plaque formation or reverse cavities that have already occurred. It can help strengthen enamel by reducing the acid that bacteria make.
However, some individuals choose to avoid fluoride due to concerns about potential health risks, such as skeletal fluorosis, arthritis, issues with kidney and thyroid
function, and the early onset of puberty in females. Hence, while fluoride has its own benefits, it’s important to use it wisely.
Ultimately, the decision to use fluoride should be based on informed choices and advice from a qualified dentist who can assess your specific needs.
In the early stages, dental cavities can be asymptomatic and may not present visible signs. By the time symptoms such as sensitivity to cold or noticeable holes appear, the decay has often advanced significantly.
Therefore, regular dental check-ups are essential, as they enable your dentist to identify and address these issues before they develop into more severe problems.
A common misconception is that you’ll know if you have a cavity because it will hurt. However, dental cavities may not be painful in the early stages.
By the time pain sets in, the cavity may have already done significant damage, potentially reaching the nerve of the tooth.
Regular dental check-ups are essential because a dentist can detect cavities early on, often before you notice any symptoms.
It is recommended that you see a dentist at least twice a year to catch issues like cavities before they become painful and more difficult to treat.
A common myth about dental cavities is that they are not contagious. In reality, cavities can be spread through the transfer of bacteria from one person to another.
Published studies discuss how saliva can transmit the bacteria responsible for tooth decay, primarily Streptococcus mutans.
This means that activities such as sharing utensils, kisses, or even dental tools can facilitate the transfer of these bacteria, potentially contributing to the development of cavities in others. Therefore, while cavities themselves are not directly contagious, the bacteria that cause them can be spread between individuals.
The safety of amalgam fillings, which contain mercury and other metals that have been in use for over 150 years, is a subject of ongoing debate within the dental community.
While amalgam fillings do release trace amounts of mercury vapour, health authorities such as the FDA and ADA assert that they are safe for most individuals.
The misconception that these fillings pose significant risks has led some patients to seek their removal. However, removing intact amalgam fillings can release more mercury vapour than if the fillings were left in place.
Unless there is a specific allergy to the materials or a recommendation from your dentist due to issues like wear or decay, it is generally advisable to retain existing amalgam fillings and discuss the concern with your dentist.
While composite fillings offer aesthetic benefits and do not contain mercury, they are not necessarily superior in all situations.
Amalgam fillings are often more durable, particularly for large cavities in posterior teeth that experience substantial chewing forces.
They are also generally less challenging to implement, which can be advantageous in challenging areas of the mouth.
Conversely, composite fillings may present potential drawbacks, including a higher risk of post-operative sensitivity and a potentially shorter lifespan in certain cases.
The decision between amalgam and composite fillings should be made on an individual basis, taking into account factors such as the cavity’s location, the size of the filling, the patient’s oral habits, and cost considerations.
A prevalent myth is that you cannot develop cavities in teeth that have already been filled. However, it is indeed possible for cavities to form around or under existing fillings.
Decay can occur due to various factors, such as poor oral hygiene, deterioration of the filling material, or gaps between the filling and the tooth. Regular dental check-ups are essential for monitoring the condition of existing fillings and for detecting any early signs of new decay, ensuring that prompt action can be taken to maintain oral health.
Understanding the true causes of dental cavities empowers us to take better care of our oral health. While we can’t change our genetics or completely eliminate cavity-causing bacteria, we can tip the scales in our favour. Ultimately, for a personalised and in depth guidance regarding any concerns about cavities, it is best to consult a qualified dental professional. You can contact Rouse Hill Smiles Dental Care to get all your answers and ensure you receive expert advice tailored to your needs. Remember, your teeth are meant to last a lifetime and if treated right, they’ll keep you smiling for years to come!
Dr. Teena and the Rouse Hill Smiles team are dedicated to providing patients of all ages with the highest quality of care.