Smile! Do you see or feel anything that does not belong? Chances are, everything looks and feels normal. But there are hundreds of bacteria stuck to all the surfaces of your mouth right now that you cannot see or feel. Some are good bacteria and some are bad. The bad bacteria work to break down the tooth, and this can cause cavities. Keep reading to find out more about how cavities are formed and what you can do to prevent them.
What are cavities?
Cavities are the last stage of tooth decay (the process of breaking down teeth). Invisible clumps of bad bacteria stick to the surfaces of the teeth and eat the sugars and carbohydrates that we eat (rice, pasta, potatoes, breads and more!). Click here to find Snack Swaps that are better for your teeth! After the bacteria stick to the teeth, they make acids that break down the enamel (the hard, outer part of your teeth) and the dentin (the layer of tooth below enamel).
Once you have a cavity, there is a hole in your tooth. This hole may not be visible to your eyes, so it is important to visit your dentist regularly to check the health of your teeth.
How soon can a cavity form?
Cavities happen over time, and that timeline is different for each person. Cavities may start as a white chalky spot before turning yellow/brown. In the last stage, the tooth can turn black.
Before acids break down the teeth forming a hole, brushing two times a day with toothpaste with fluoride and flossing can be used to help re-strengthen the teeth. This process is called remineralization. However, once a cavity is completely formed, you will need the care of a dentist to help fix your tooth.
Don’t just brush it off!
While it is important to try and protect your child’s teeth from cavity formation, it is something pediatric dentists treat all the time! If you find that your child may have cavities, the sooner they can be seen by a dentist, the better!
