Cavities, also known as dental caries, are one of the most common diseases in Sweden. To avoid dental caries, it is important to take preventive measures and maintain good oral hygiene.
Dental Caries and Cavities: What are they?
Dental caries is an infectious disease where bacteria living on the tooth surface form a cavity in the tooth. This cavity occurs when harmful bacteria in the mouth produce acids that erode the tooth’s enamel.
Without treatment, the cavity in the tooth risks becoming deep enough for bacteria to penetrate to the tooth’s nerve. The longer one waits before treatment is given, the greater the risk that the damage to the tooth will be so extensive that a major intervention is required. If dental caries goes untreated and reaches the nerve, a root canal may be necessary. In the worst case, it can progress to the point where the tooth must be completely removed and, if desired, replaced with a bridge or a dental implant.
Why do we get cavities?
Common sugar, glucose, and fructose increase the risk of dental caries. Sugar and carbohydrates react with bacteria in the mouth, initiating acid production that erodes the tooth surfaces. Our saliva can, to a certain extent, dilute the sugar and reduce the acid’s harmful effect.
Another cause of cavities is poor oral hygiene. This includes not brushing teeth thoroughly enough and missing hard-to-reach areas in the mouth where plaque easily forms, such as between teeth or far back in the mouth.
People suffering from dry mouth and reduced saliva production have an increased risk of dental caries, as saliva has less ability to rinse away sugar and acid and counteract bacteria. There are various causes of dry mouth, such as radiation therapy or side effects from medication, and help is available in the form of saliva-stimulating tablets or spray.
Symptoms of cavities
In a very early stage, dental caries can be difficult to detect. It can usually be identified by a white spot or streak on the tooth, but it can be hard to find if it is not on a surface that is directly visible. Initially, there is no sensation, but as the cavity deepens, the teeth may start to ache or become sensitive to cold. When it progresses to a toothache, it may mean that the cavity has reached the tooth nerve and that it has become inflamed.
Tips for preventing cavities
- Brush your teeth twice a day
The most fundamental aspect of oral and dental hygiene is to brush your teeth thoroughly. Brush morning and evening with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, preferably with an electric toothbrush. Make sure you reach even the more inaccessible areas. - Reduce sugar intake
Saliva needs time to repair the damage caused by acid to the teeth. Try to reduce your sugar intake and snacking, as sugar and carbohydrates are converted into acid that erodes the enamel. - Use dental floss, interdental brushes, and fluoride supplements
Remove plaque and bacteria from the hard-to-reach spaces between teeth with dental floss and interdental brushes. Give your saliva a helping hand with fluoride supplements. - Avoid dry mouth
Medication side effects sometimes cause dry mouth, which impairs the reparative effect of saliva. If you have problems with dry mouth, we recommend trying one of the aids available over-the-counter at the pharmacy. - Regular dental visits
In addition to taking care of your own oral hygiene, you should regularly visit your dentist to have your teeth and gums examined.
Treat cavities at TandCity
Do you suspect you have cavities? Book your next dental appointment at TandCity in Malmö. TandCity makes high-quality and affordable dental care accessible to everyone.
“The text above is written for online marketing purposes. The opinions are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of TandCity.”
