Cavities: Causes and Hidden Dangers You Should Know
Causes of cavities include plaque, poor hygiene, diet, smoking and alcohol. Learn how untreated cavities can harm your teeth, gums and overall health.
Cavities are a common dental disease that can affect anyone, children and adults alike. Teeth develop cavities when they are not kept clean, which gives germs and bacteria a comfortable place to settle around the teeth. Poor hygiene is not the only cause, though. Many other factors play a part. Left untreated, a cavity can have dangerous effects on the health of your teeth and gums.
Causes of cavities
Here are some of the factors that can cause cavities:
- Plaque on the teeth
Plaque is a thin film that coats the teeth and contains microorganisms, some helpful and some harmful. When plaque contains too much acid, it strips minerals from the teeth. This erodes the tooth surface and creates a hole.
- Oral and dental hygiene
Oral hygiene shows in your brushing habits. If you do not brush at least twice a day on a regular basis, cavities are more likely to form.
- Diet
Diet may also damage teeth or lead to cavities. Eating too many carbohydrates can harm your teeth.
- Smoking
The tobacco in cigarettes can interfere with saliva production, so the surfaces of the teeth are not protected as well as they should be.
- Drinking alcohol
Ingredients in alcoholic drinks can damage tooth enamel, which leads to cavities.
You can treat a painful cavity by visiting the nearest dental clinic and choosing a dentist you feel comfortable with.
Effects of cavities
Knowing these causes can help you avoid cavities. If you already have one, act quickly. Otherwise it can lead to dangerous effects, including:
- Blood vessel infection
A cavity can cause an infection in the blood vessels, which disrupts normal blood circulation.
- Dental nerve problems
A hole in a tooth can damage the dental nerve, causing the nerve to die and leading to pain.
- Complications and death
If a tooth is severely damaged and left alone, it can cause problems or complications in other organs, such as cancer and tumors, which can be fatal.
If you experience any of the problems above, go to the nearest dental clinic right away.
