There are few things worse than your dentist telling you that you have a cavity, however, they are more common than you think.
Studies have found that more than 50% of U.S. children, 96% of employed U.S. adults, and 99.5% of Americans 65 years and older have experienced cavities.
A cavity is a damaged area of your tooth that forms into a hole. It can cause pain and sensitivity and, if left untreated for too long, can destroy your whole tooth.
However, cavities don’t have to be a common occurrence, as they are entirely preventable. Practicing good oral hygiene will not only offer aesthetic benefits, but it will also help to ward off cavities.
We’ve put together this quick guide to tell you everything you need to know about cavities and the importance of brushing your teeth to prevent them.
Let's get into it!
The Stages of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay doesn’t happen all at once - it happens in stages. It is important to know and be able to recognize which stage your cavity might be at, as this will affect your treatment program and next steps.
Here is a brief overview of the stages of tooth decay, including signs to look out for and steps to take once identifying it.
Early Stage (Demineralization)
Early-stage tooth decay is also known as demineralization. While this isn’t technically a “true cavity,” it can rapidly worsen if not adequately treated.
Cavities begin during this demineralization stage, which is caused by the weakening of the tooth’s enamel. Weakened enamel is typically the product of acid exposure, and this occurs when there is a buildup of plaque on the tooth.
The acid causes the tooth to lose some of its minerals, hence the name “demineralization.” During this stage, a white spot may appear on the surface of the tooth, indicating that minerals have been lost.
If you do reach the demineralization stage, which thus indicates the beginnings of a cavity, not all hope is lost, as it is potentially reversible with the practice of good oral hygiene.
However, this requires early detection and a commitment to ensuring your oral hygiene routine is flawless.
Cavity Formation
If a demineralized tooth is left untreated, the acid and bacteria from the plaque will continue to demineralize the tooth and start to penetrate the enamel layer.
Enamel is the tooth’s protective coating, and once destroyed, creates the opportunity for a cavity to form.
Once it has penetrated the enamel, the bacteria will destroy the dentin and pulp layers of the tooth, creating a serious cavity that may be accompanied by pain.
You can usually identify this by the white spot on your tooth turning brown, and a lesion forming.
You may also experience pain. Once your cavity reaches this stage, brushing cannot fully reverse the damage. It is important that you see your dentist as soon as possible if you suspect you have a cavity, as the sooner you begin treatment, the better the final outcome will be.
Can Brushing Prevent Cavities?
One of the most common questions we get is whether brushing can prevent cavities. The answer is yes, as brushing is one of the most effective ways you can ward off tooth decay.
There are two ways in which brushing prevents cavities. The first is that brushing manually removes plaque. Plaque is the main cause of cavities, as it is the acid and bacteria from excess buildup that wear away at the layers of the teeth.
By manually removing the plaque from the tooth each day, it does not have a chance to build up and damage the surface of the tooth.
Secondly, the type of toothpaste you use when brushing can also help to prevent cavities. Toothpaste that contains n-Ha works to strengthen the enamel layer on the tooth.
The stronger the enamel is, the more resistant it is to damage from plaque and, thus, cavities. Using a n-Ha containing toothpaste is a fantastic way to support and remineralize enamel and practice good oral hygiene.
It is also important that you brush frequently. You should aim to brush twice a day, for at least two minutes each time, to adequately remove plaque and give your cavity-fighting toothpaste enough time to work.
Brushing for Existing Cavities
While brushing won’t reverse a cavity once it has passed the demineralization stage and formed, it is important that you continue to brush your teeth regardless.
Brushing while having a cavity can help prevent further tooth decay, and it can stop the existing cavity from becoming worse.
Brushing can also help to strengthen the tooth, which in turn will reduce pain and sensitivity caused by the cavity.
Make sure you are gentle when brushing with a cavity, as you may find that your teeth and gums are more sensitive than usual.
Beyond Brushing: Fighting Cavities
Brushing isn’t the only way you can fight cavities. There are many lifestyle choices you can make that will help to reduce your chance of tooth decay.
Practicing these sporadically will not be of any help, so keep in mind that you need to be consistent in your efforts to fight cavities.
Diet
Everything we eat and drink comes into contact with our teeth, so what we choose to consume can have a major impact on our oral health.
Following a healthy diet that is low in sugar is key to preventing cavities, as sugar is a leading cause of tooth decay. Limiting sugar drinks and snacks is a great way to fight cavities and ensure your teeth stay decay-free.
Of course, you don’t have to cut out these foods entirely. However, it is important to be mindful not to over-consume sugary drinks and snacks.
Dental Sealant
One effective method for preventing cavities is the use of dental sealants.
These sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are placed on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, or molars.
Sealants offer several benefits: The chewing surfaces of the back teeth are rough and uneven due to the presence of tiny pits and grooves. Because of this, food and bacteria can become trapped in these areas, making it difficult for toothbrush bristles to clean them effectively.
Sealants cover these surfaces and act as a barrier, protecting the teeth from damage and preventing food and germs from getting trapped there.
Regular Dental Visits
The best way to fight cavities is to make sure that you regularly visit your dentist. The job of a dentist is to spot and treat early and established signs of tooth decay, and they are highly trained and skilled to do so.
Often, you will not know that you have a cavity, which means that the decay could rapidly worsen and turn into an abscess.
Regular visits to your dentist will ensure that any issues are quickly picked up on and treated.
Treatment for cavities usually comes in the form of a “filling,” in which the decay is removed, and the dentist fills the hole in your tooth.
"Good oral hygiene like regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings with a dentist can prevent and reverse cavities,"said dental specialist Dr Anjum Chaudhary, BDS, MDS.
Final Thoughts
While brushing cannot reverse cavities, is it one of the most crucial steps you can take to prevent and manage existing ones? Brushing is the best way to remove decay-causing plaque, and it also exposes your teeth to beneficial ingredients contained in toothpaste.
To ensure your mouth stays cavity-free, it is important that you prioritize brushing your teeth twice every day. Additionally, you should aim to eat a healthy, low-sugar diet, and also visit your dentist easily.
At Boka we offer everything you need for a healthy mouth - from expertly designed toothbrushes made with activated charcoal bristles to naturally reduce odor-causing bacteria and n-Ha-containing toothpastes that help to support your enamel. Incorporating these products into your routine is a good way to take your oral hygiene to the next level.