07 Jul 2022 Everyone is familiar with cavities. It does not only cause excruciating pain, it causes serious oral health harm. For this reason, it is important to take care of the cavity the moment, you notice it. While a cavity is a known factor to everyone, many get overwhelmed by some cavity myths. You should not hear everything you hear about the cavity. Before discussing the cavity myth, let’s have a look at the definition of the cavity. What does it mean by cavity?
What is Cavity?
The cavity is a permanently damaged part of teeth. This damage creates holes in the damaged areas. Some know cavity as tooth decay. Cavities get caused by bacteria infection. Eating too many sugary snacks causes cavities and tooth decay as well. Not cleaning teeth is another reason for which tooth decay occurs.
What are the Symptoms of Tooth Decay?
There are several symptoms of tooth decay. Toothache is one of the symptoms of this dental problem. Sensitivity around gum or tooth is another sign of tooth decay. Holes in the teeth are other signs of dental decay. Teeth staining can be a sign of tooth decay as well. You may experience sharp pain while eating if you have tooth decay. The problem with a cavity is – you don’t always see pit or crack forming around your dental area. For this reason, you need to see dentists to determine whether you have a cavity or not.
Cavity Myths
There are many myths surrounding cavities. People get overwhelmed by this. However, if you want to prevent suffering due to cavities, you need to be aware of the myths surrounding tooth decay.
Sugar Causes Cavity
People think that sugar is the only cause of the cavity. However, this is not the right concept. Sugar alone does not cause a cavity. In other words, bacteria are the key reason for which the cavity takes place. Carbohydrate is the reason for this bacteria infestation. Therefore, rice and even bread can cause bacteria and lead to a cavity. So, you need to be careful about what you eat and how you take care of your dental health.
Acid Leads to Cavity
This is another concept which not completely right. Acid causes tooth damage. However, acid does not directly cause a cavity. It breaks teeth enamel. When teeth enamel gets damaged, teeth weaken and become prone to tooth decay. Therefore, to maintain oral health and prevent cavities, you need to avoid eating acidic food.
Without Pain, There is No Problem
People think that only a pain-causing cavity is harmful to teeth. However, this is not the case. Tooth decay causes the nerve to open up. Therefore, if you are not suffering from aches now, you will eventually. Pain due to tooth decay means your damage is serious. Therefore, you must not ignore tooth decay. The cavity is not something to be taken lightly as it causes a lot more problems than just toothache. If you wait for long, your treatment will get more expensive which may cause a lot of problems. Therefore, instead of waiting for the pain to commence, before sure to get medical help.
Sugar-Free Soda Does Not Cause Tooth Decay
You need to understand that sugar is not the only bad guy who causes tooth decay. The acidic reaction causes a cavity. For this reason, you need to pay attention to the food which makes your mouth become acidic. Such foods cause serious harm to the mouth and cause a cavity. Sodas possess low pH which is a big cause of tooth erosion. If erosion gets started, cavities form easily.
Placing Aspirin on Affected Reduces Toothache
Some believe that placing aspirin on a damaged tooth reduces toothache. However, it is a wrong concept. If you want aspirin to work, you need to swallow it. Placing on the affected area may backfire as aspirin is known to cause an acidic reaction. Therefore, instead of placing aspirin on the affected area, you need to eat it to make it work. Also, it is a bad idea to take medicine without consulting a doctor.
Dental Filling Lasts Forever
This is another wrong concept. Dental filling needs replacement. However, if you follow proper oral hygiene, your willingness will last for a long time. Yet, you must be prepared to replace your dental filling if and whenever needed.
You Know Cavity When It Occurs
Yes, it occurs inside your mouth. But it is not always possible to know the right moment when a cavity occurs. Usually, when people become aware of the cavity, it already spreads deep. For this reason, when you notice a cavity, you should not wait for the pain to occur. Seeing a dentist will be the right thing to do.
Brushing Prevents Cavity
Regular brushing is essential for oral health. However, brushing alone does not help in preventing cavities. You need to avoid foods that cause cavities. Also, you need to see a dentist regularly. Foods which possess sugar are harmful to teeth. Therefore, you need to avoid such foods. In addition, you must avoid acidic food to prevent cavities.
Filled Teeth Don’t Get Cavity
This is a wrong concept. Even a filled tooth can get a cavity. What most don’t know is – filling gets broken with time. For this reason, if you have a filled tooth, you need to take care of it. Otherwise, your cavity-related problems will sustain.
Cavity Needs Root Canals
The root canal is needed when your teeth are damaged enough to cause nerve damage. If you leave your cavity without treatment, you will need root canaling.
Some Facts to Remember
Cavity usually takes place on the back teeth. These teeth collect excessive food particles because they have multiple roots. Back teeth are more difficult to clean than the front teeth. For this reason, back teeth are more prone to damage and cavity.
Usually, sugary foods which cling to your mouth cause a cavity. For this reason, soda, cake, ice cream, and cookies can cause tooth decay. These foods are not easily removed by saliva.
Irregular brushing is another cause of tooth decay. If you have a habit of missing brushing, you may expose yourself to the risk of having cavities. It is important to consult a dentist regularly.