Facts on Tooth Cavities

1. Tooth Decay: A Chronic Infectious Disease

Few people think of tooth decay as an infectious disease, but that's what it is. Cavities are a bacterial infection. Those holes in your teeth are caused in part by the Streptococcus mutans bacteria, one of the 500 unpleasant products found in plaque. This acidic bacteria dissolves the calcium molecules on the surface of the tooth. That's a lot of calcium to destroy since the enamel (surface) of each tooth is 97-percent calcium. As the surface breaks down, a hole will form. This can take as short as six months or as long as eight years to happen.

2. Prevent Cavities With Dental Sealants

Teeth are full of fissures and pits that can be hard to keep clean, no matter how vigilant you are with brushing and flossing. There's another tool in the fight against tooth decay that you may not know about. It's called a dental sealant, which is a special clear plastic coating that covers and seals the chewing surfaces. The procedure begins with the dentist thoroughly cleaning your teeth. Then the sealant is applied and the dentist may use a curing light to help the sealant harden. The entire cavity prevention process takes place in one relatively short visit.

3. Not All Tooth Cavities Are the Same

Tooth cavities can be divided into three types: smooth surface decay, pit and fissure decay and root decay. Smooth surface decay is the easiest of all the types to reverse. It also grows the slowest. These cavities start out as a white spot on your teeth. These spots are where the bacteria begin dissolving the calcium of the enamel. Pit and fissure decay forms in two places: the outside of the back teeth (on the cheek side) and on the chewing surface of teeth inside the narrow grooves. These cavities tend to grow rapidly, because these areas are hard to reach since these grooves are narrower than a toothbrush's bristles. Root decay is the most difficult to prevent because it can be caused by lack of adequate saliva to wash away enamel eating bacteria. It starts in the root surface (cementum) that's exposed by receding gums. Often this exposed root also doesn't get properly cleaned during brushing.

4. Keep That Toothbrush Clean!

Debris left on your toothbrush increases the chance of bacteria growth. This bacteria is then transferred to your mouth and teeth when you brush. Thoroughly rinse the brush with tap water. Store in an upright position so that it can air dry. If you're storing several toothbrushes in the same holder, keep the brushes separated.

5. Eating Habits That Help Your Teeth

We all know sugary foods cause cavities. To protect your teeth, basically, all you have to do is eat what's good for your body as a whole. That means well-balanced meals made from the five major food groups.