What Causes Cavities
Tooth decay, also known as cavities, happens when bacteria damage your teeth. A type of bacteria called Streptococcus mutans lives in your mouth and feeds on the sugars in the food you eat. As these bacteria eat sugar, they produce acid that slowly eats away at tooth enamel — the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth. Over time, the acid creates tiny holes in the enamel, and those holes are cavities. Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States, with about 20 percent of children ages 5 to 11 having at least one untreated cavity.
How to Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth is the most important thing you can do to keep them healthy. Dentists recommend brushing with fluoride toothpaste for two full minutes, twice a day — once in the morning and once before bed. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use short, gentle back-and-forth strokes. Make sure to brush the front, back, and chewing surfaces of every tooth, and don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria that cause bad breath. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles start to fray.
Why Flossing Matters
Even the best toothbrush can’t reach everywhere. The spaces between your teeth are tight spots where food particles and plaque — a sticky film of bacteria — love to hide. Flossing slides a thin thread between your teeth to remove that buildup where bristles can’t reach. The American Dental Association recommends flossing once every day, either in the morning or at night. If you skip flossing, plaque between your teeth hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist.
How Fluoride Protects Your Teeth
Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. It works by replacing minerals that acid has stripped away from your teeth in a process called remineralization. Fluoride in toothpaste and drinking water has dramatically reduced cavities since the 1940s. Community water fluoridation is considered one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most tap water in the United States contains a small, safe amount of fluoride to help protect teeth.
Foods That Help and Hurt Your Teeth
What you eat has a big effect on your dental health. Sugary and acidic foods like soda, candy, and citrus juices erode enamel and give bacteria more fuel to produce harmful acid. Sticky foods like raisins and gummy candies are especially damaging because they cling to teeth and feed bacteria for a longer time. On the other hand, crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots help clean teeth naturally. Dairy products like cheese and yogurt contain calcium that strengthens teeth, and drinking water throughout the day helps wash away food particles.
Visiting the Dentist
Dental checkups every six months allow dentists to catch early signs of decay and give your teeth a professional cleaning. During a checkup, the dentist examines each tooth, checks your gums, and may take X-rays to spot problems hidden below the surface. A dental hygienist uses special tools to scrape away plaque and tartar that regular brushing can’t remove. Dentists may also apply dental sealants — thin coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of back teeth — to create a barrier against cavities. Regular visits help you stay ahead of problems before they become painful or expensive to fix.
Building Great Dental Habits
The habits you build now will protect your teeth for the rest of your life. Keep a consistent routine of brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals when saliva production is lower. If you play sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury. Remember that your permanent teeth are the only ones you’ll get, so treating them well today means a healthier, happier smile for decades to come.
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