What are cavities? How do they form and how are they prevented?
A cavity is a hole in the enamel (or outer surface) of a tooth and is a byproduct of tooth decay. Plaque, a sticky biofilm of bacteria, is constantly forming on our teeth. When we eat or drink foods containing sugar, this sugar is changed by our bacteria to produce lactic acid that slowly removes the minerals from the adjacent enamel. This process competes with fluoride and salivary molecules that are continuously rebuilding our enamel and working to keep our teeth healthy. Tooth decay occurs when, over time, the weakening of a particular area of a tooth outpaces its rebuilding. This is reversible until a cavity develops, which is when a filling is required to eliminate the decay and restore the tooth to its normal form and function.
We do not have control over the disease-producing power of the bacteria in our mouths or the basic qualities of our enamel. Therefore, some of us are more prone to develop cavities than others. However, we do have an ability to prevent the decay process by 1) decreasing the amount and frequency of sugar that we consume, which stops the bacteria in our plaque from producing acid, 2) decreasing the amount of time that the acidic byproducts are in contact with our enamel by frequently removing plaque from our teeth, and 3) increasing fluoride levels in our plaque, which strengthens our enamel and also decreases activity of the bacteria.
The American Dental Association suggests the following tips to help you and your family prevent tooth decay:
- brush twice a day for at least two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste, with caution not to swallow excessive amounts
- clean between your teeth daily with floss
- eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking (do not put your child to bed with a bottle!)
- ask your dentist if you or your child would benefit from additional fluoride or dental sealants
- visit your dentist regularly for a professional cleaning and oral examination.
Be mindful of sugar content in common foods and drinks:
- 1 tablespoon of sugar = 13 grams of sugar
- Heinz tomato ketchup = 64 grams of sugar in 8 ounce bottle
- Mountain Dew = 31 grams of sugar in 8 ounce can
- Snickers (full size) = 29 grams of sugar in 2 ounces
- Tropicana orange juice = 28 grams of sugar in 8 ounce cup
- Starbucks Short mocha 2% milk with whipped cream = 16.5 grams of sugar in 8 ounce cup
- Gatorade = 14 grams of sugar in 8 ounce cup
- Prairie Farms 2% milk = 11 grams of sugar in 8 ounce cup
For kids, there is no substitute for good instructions, adult supervision and encouragement. Incorporating good dietary and oral hygiene habits into your child’s daily routine will prevent decay from developing, and your children will benefit from healthier teeth for the rest of their lives!
Dr. Carl Drake is an Orthodontist and owner of Drake Orthodontics here in Bloomington-Normal. He is passionate about providing quality orthodontic care and educating the community about proper dental care.
