At some point it seems nearly all of us develop a cavity. The fact is, only 2{dcbe0cd52ce35e2f156887e14605e24111ce99c14f01d3853732956d43020bdd} of the population is immune to dental caries. Without proper care and prevention, you are likely to develop tooth decay. There are a number of reasons you have a cavity, ranging from how you brush and floss to the foods and drinks you consume.
Factors Behind Cavities
- Teeth grinding: Do you grind your teeth? Bruxism can eventually wear down the protective layer of tooth enamel. In addition, the constant pressure of grinding can also lead to fractures in the tooth or even chip them. The damage to the enamel allows bacteria to bypass the protective outer layer so tooth decay can form.
- Injury: Likewise, if you break or fracture a tooth due to trauma or a sports injury then you also have a high chance of the tooth become decayed and eventually infected. Fortunately, dental bonding and restorations allow the doctor to repair the tooth.
- Poor brushing: Unfortunately, many people brush their teeth incorrectly. You should always brushing the morning and again before going to bed. You need to brush for two minutes each time to achieve the best results.
- Not flossing correctly: Along with brushing, you need to floss your teeth everyday before going to bed. If you want to floss more that’s great, but the minimum is once per day. Flossing removes the bits of food stuck between teeth that brushing doesn’t reach. By flossing you significantly reduce the risk of both tooth decay and gum disease.
- Diet: What you eat can also affect your cavity risk. We recommend cutting back on sugary snacks and drinks. In addition, drinks with a high acidic content, such as sports drinks or energy drinks, can also boost the risk of cavities.
ABOUT YOUR WACO, TX, DENTIST:
We look forward to providing families with exceptional care and advanced treatment options. To schedule an appointment with Corbet Locke, DDS, contact our Waco, TX, dental office today by calling 254-776-4888. Our office welcomes patients in and around Waco, TX, including Hewitt, McGregor, Woodway, and the surrounding Central Texas communities.