Does Saliva Cause Cavities?

Those nasty little holes in teeth that can cause distressing pain are called cavities. Cavities are one of the most common reasons for unscheduled dental visits. It is possible to have a cavity and not even be aware that you have one. During the year between 2011 and 2012, approximately 91% of American adults reportedly had cavities and not all of them knew it. If you believe that you have a cavity or are experiencing abnormal pain in your mouth, connecting with an experienced Del Mar Dentist can fix the problem. Curtis L. Chan is a mercury-free dental practice and if you are someone who also has had previous work done resulting in unsightly silver fillings, we can help. Our tooth-colored restoration process will replace those tooth blemishes in just two appointments. 

How Do Cavities Develop?

Everyone knows that eating highly sugary foods is a major no-no for teeth health. Foods like carbohydrates, sodas, candy, and milk that is not removed from your teeth will result in the degradation of your teeth. How does this happen? The bacteria from the food we eat that settles on our teeth will ultimately come into contact with our saliva. The saliva will turn the bacteria into an acidic substance that attaches to our teeth and builds up in plaque lawyers. The acids in the plaque do the dirty work of breaking down the outer enamel of our teeth and then to the inner portion of our teeth. As the acid erodes our tooth’s structure, the deeper the destruction, the more pain we will experience.

So does saliva cause your cavities? No, saliva isn’t the cause of your cavities but saliva plays a vital role in cavity formation. Other factors can also influence cavity development in your mouth. As we age, our gums recede from the tooth and the root becomes exposed. If you are not taking good care of your oral health with regular brushing, residual bacteria from the foods you eat will target the root area and begin to erode.

According to the American Dental Association, you can decrease your risk of developing cavities by doing the following:

• Brushing regularly, two times per day with a fluoride-rich toothpaste
• Getting all the grime and debris from between your teeth with flossing
• Choosing whole foods that are highly nutritious and low in sugar plus reducing your snacks
• Visiting your San Diego dentist for regular cleanings and examinations every year 
• Discuss with your dentist the benefit of supplemental fluoride to give an added boost in a protective coating to your teeth

Ensuring you engage in a proper daily oral hygiene regime along with regular checkups, you can better protect your teeth from inflammation, infection, decay, and tooth loss. Additionally, if you had work done in your mouth for previous cavities, through time, fillings will begin to weaken and break down leaving space for bacteria to penetrate. When this happens, cavities will result. Your Del Mar dentist will be able to get ahead of this situation before it becomes a painful problem.

Do You Need to Make an Appointment With a San Diego Dentist?

Your oral health is an essential part of maintaining your overall health. Call the office of Curtis L. Chan, DDS., Del Mar family dentist at (858) 481-9090 to make an appointment. Dr. Chan can help you keep your mouth in the best condition.