What Causes Tooth Decay?

Nearly 90% of adults over 20 have experienced tooth decay at some point, and there are many reasons behind this. From failing to brush twice a day to avoiding the dentist, poor dental hygiene can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral conditions. 

With good dental hygiene and healthy habits, tooth decay is preventable. By learning more about the causes of tooth decay, you can make better choices that will preserve your teeth and help you avoid costly dental treatments. At Durango Dental, we provide exceptional dental services and are happy to share all our tips for preventing tooth decay.

With the holidays fast approaching, where sugar abounds and habits tend to slip, it’s time to be proactive about your oral hygiene. Read on to learn more about how to keep your teeth healthy during the holiday season and beyond.

What Is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria known as plaque, which creates a type of acid when sugar is broken down in your mouth. It leads to the softening of tooth enamel, which can make holes in your teeth, also known as cavities. 

Cavities can lead to toothache and infections and could also result in tooth loss in severe cases. Cavities are primarily caused by eating or drinking goods containing sugar and failing to brush your teeth and gums properly afterward. Eventually, this will lead to enamel erosion, weakening your teeth and leaving them vulnerable to damage.

Dietary Habits

Dietary habits are one of the biggest causes of tooth decay. Sugary foods and drinks, in particular, are a leading cause, as they help feed the bacteria that speed up decay. Acidic foods and drinks such as soda can also lead to tooth decay, damaging the enamel over time.

While the foods you eat can impact your teeth, how you eat can also cause problems. Regular snacking (particularly sugary and starchy foods) allows more opportunities for plaque to form, leaving your teeth at greater risk for decay.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor dietary habits are made worse when combined with poor oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time is important to help remove plaque and keep your teeth and gums clean. In addition to brushing, you should also floss your teeth to help remove the plaque that forms in hard-to-reach areas, such as between your teeth. 

Not maintaining a regular oral hygiene routine can leave your teeth at risk of tooth decay but can also lead to gum disease. Other consequences include bad breath and stained teeth, which affect your appearance.

Maintaining a basic oral health routine is simple and should include the following:

  • Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time

  • Flossing between your teeth daily

  • Brushing your tongue (as bacteria can form there, too)

  • Using an antibacterial mouthwash

  • Seeing the dentist for cleanings at least twice annually

Smoking also contributes heavily to poor oral health, so you should avoid products containing tobacco to help maintain your dental hygiene.

Regular dentist visits can help maintain your teeth. Professional cleaning and polishing take care of any plaque build-up that can’t be removed by brushing yourself.

Lack of Fluoride or Saliva Production

Fluoride is a natural mineral that can help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. Fluoride helps make teeth more resistant to acid, keeping cavities at bay. Fluoride can be found in different sources, including water and various foods. Many dental products contain fluoride, so it’s important to use fluoride toothpaste and fluoride treatments to help protect your teeth’s enamel.

Fluoride treatments from your dentist can help give your teeth added protection to reverse and prevent the effects of plaque build-up. They can include foam, varnish, or gel applied directly to the teeth.

Increasing fluoride can also help support your mouth’s saliva production, which is your body’s natural defense against acids, neutralizing them before transferring them to the stomach. Saliva can wash away food particles, helping to keep your mouth clean after eating. A dry mouth can lead to a lack of saliva production, so drinking plenty of water and chewing sugar-free gum to help you produce saliva regularly throughout the day is recommended.

Genetic Factors and Health Conditions

While your diet and lifestyle can greatly impact tooth decay, genetics and overall health also have a part to play. Some people are more genetically prone to decay due to the strength of their enamel or the structure of their mouths. In these cases, extra care is necessary to protect teeth.

Many health conditions can have an impact on oral health, such as acid reflux, diabetes, and certain eating disorders. These conditions can cause more acid to reach the mouth, potentially eroding the enamel and leading to cavities.

Treatment Options for Decayed Teeth

Fortunately, different treatments are available to help with the varying levels of tooth decay. At Durango Dental, our treatment options include:

Fillings 

Fillings can help repair the damage caused by tooth decay. Dentists remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the cavity with a type of resin, amalgam, or ceramic. Rebuilding the tooth's shape can help restore the appearance of your smile and prevent further decay.

Crowns

A dental crown is a type of cap that is placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. A crown is the next best option if your tooth is too damaged for a filling to be effective.

Root canals

Root canals can help treat an infected tooth. The infected pulp inside the tooth is removed, and the tooth’s chamber is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The dentist will then seal the tooth, helping to save it from further damage.

Tooth extractions

A tooth extraction will completely remove a tooth from its socket. This procedure is usually reserved for severely decayed or damaged teeth. Should you need multiple teeth removed, the cost can quickly add up, especially if you decide to replace your teeth with implants or dentures. It’s best to take every opportunity to treat tooth decay early, as the cost can exponentially increase if you choose to wait until you need an extraction.

Prevent and Treat Tooth Decay With Durango Dental

Tooth decay affects most people at some point in their lives, but several steps can be taken to prevent it. Eating a healthier diet, cutting down on sugar, and maintaining an effective dental hygiene routine can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy, preventing cavities and other oral conditions.

While dentists can treat dental problems, they can also help prevent them. A regular visit to your dentist can help keep your oral health in check and allow you to seek advice about the best ways to maintain your teeth.

If you’re looking for an exceptional dental practice for you and your family, contact Durango Dental today. Dr. Belt and his team have years of experience treating tooth decay and other oral health conditions. Allow us to help you!