Tooth decay is a quite common problem for many people all over the world. It is second only to the common cold. Even though it can be prevented, many people neglect proper oral hygiene and other options that can help you avoid the development of tooth decay. 

Due to the fact that there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about tooth decay, it is extremely important to divide them from proven facts. That’s why we have gathered these six facts about tooth decay you should be aware of.

1. Tooth decay can affect everyone

Many people think that tooth decay affects only children. Indeed, kids are more prone to cavities since they usually don’t maintain proper oral hygiene and eat a lot of sugar. But the reality is that tooth decay can affect both adults and children.

If you don’t brush your teeth twice a day and don’t floss daily, you increase your risk of getting tooth decay. Additionally, regular dental check-ups can help define the developing cavities and treat them until they cause severe complications. 

2. Fluoride can help strengthen your tooth enamel

Fluoride is a mineral that is found in your bones and teeth. This mineral is commonly used in dentistry to strengthen the tooth enamel. Fluoride is beneficial for your teeth since it helps restore weakened tooth enamel, slow down the loss of minerals from tooth enamel, treat early signs of tooth decay, and prevent the growth of bacteria in your mouth.

You can sometimes find it at your local water supply in the United States and many other countries and in many over-the-counter products, like toothpaste, mouthwash, and supplements. If you are prone to cavities, your dentist may recommend a fluoride mouthwash since it usually contains a higher concentration of fluoride than over-the-counter options. 

3. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria

There is a common misconception that tooth decay is caused by sugar. But you should know that sugar can’t ruin your tooth enamel and cause a cavity. The truth is that sugar promotes the development of tooth decay since it feeds on the bacteria in your mouth.

These bacteria live in dental plaque and eat sugar and other foods that remain in your oral cavity. During their vital activity, they produce acids that make your tooth enamel soft. This leads to cavities.

4. Cavities can develop asymptomatically

Some people think that cavities usually manifest themselves through severe toothache. But the reality is that tooth decay can develop asymptomatically for a long period of time. This means that you may even not know that you already have a cavity.

Tooth decay occurs in the tooth enamel and spreads to the dentin. The point is that these layers of the tooth don’t have nerve endings. That’s why you may not experience any symptoms until the cavity reaches the inner layer of the tooth called the pulp that contains blood vessels and nerve endings. 

5. Some foods can help prevent cavities

It is extremely important to understand that the foods and drinks you consume have a great impact on the condition of your oral cavity. Sugary and acidic foods and drinks can promote the development of tooth decay and other oral issues. But there are a lot of foods that can help make your tooth enamel stronger and reduce the risk of tooth decay. 

Dairy products contain calcium that is essential for your teeth and bones. Fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds are full of vitamins and minerals that improve your oral health. If you have a sweet tooth, try to replace candy with dark chocolate. It contains polyphenols that reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth.

6. Only a dentist can treat tooth decay

Even though there are a lot of home remedies or painkillers that can help ease a toothache, you should understand that they can’t cope with the cause of your pain. The only way to treat tooth decay is to make an appointment with the best dentist and undergo in-office treatment. 

The dentist will examine your mouth to define all the cavities if you have several. After that, the dentist will remove the damaged tissues of the tooth and replace them with the tooth filling. If the cavity affects the roots of the tooth, you may need to undergo a root canal procedure. In the case of severe damage when there is no reason to save the tooth, you may need to undergo tooth extraction. 

The bottom line

Tooth decay is a quite unpleasant condition that can cause unbearable pain and severe complications. That’s why it is important to visit your dentist on a regular basis and treaty cavities in the early stages. Additionally, a healthy diet and proper oral hygiene can help prevent the development of tooth decay and keep your teeth and gums healthy.