By the time they reach 20 years of age, 90% of American adults will be affected by some type of cavity—a dental problem that occurs when acids wear away at tooth enamel. If not addressed by a dentist, tooth decay can cause severe pain, cosmetic defects, root canal infections, or total tooth loss. Although cavities may be common, they are easy to prevent. To help you protect your smile, here are five common causes of tooth decay—and how you can avoid them.

Common Causes of Cavities to Avoid

1. Poor Dental Hygiene

Every mouth contains a significant amount of oral bacteria. Over time, these bacteria can form a sticky, colorless film known as plaque. When teeth and gums aren’t kept clean, oral bacteria will produce acids that erode tooth enamel and eventually cause cavities. To keep plaque at bay, it is crucial to brush twice a day for two-minute periods, floss daily, and visit a dentist every six months for cleanings.

2. Excessive Sugar Consumption

When bacteria consume sugar for energy, they will produce harmful acids that wear away at enamel. For this reason, dentists strongly encourage their patients to limit sugar consumption as much as possible—especially sweet sticky treats and sodas. If you do consume sugar, rinse your mouth with water and practice good oral hygiene to neutralize acidic activity.

3. Dry Mouth

Without enough saliva to rinse away food debris and bacteria, it’s harder to neutralize cavity-causing acids in the mouth. If consuming more water isn’t enough to relieve your dry mouth, talk to a dentist about ways you can address the problem—such as by using artificial saliva.   

4. Bruxism

The repetitive friction of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can wear down enamel and cause you to be more susceptible to cavities. Since this problem usually occurs during sleep, it’s not always easy to stop on your own. Instead, you may need to wear a custom mouth guard to pad your teeth from the abrasive grinding.

5. Stomach Acids

Whether you’re pregnant and experiencing morning sickness or someone with heartburn, your mouth may be burdened by harmful stomach acids that contribute to enamel wear. If you are affected by these issues, talk to a doctor about possible solutions—such as prescription medication. If you do encounter a bout of acid reflux or morning sickness, rinse your mouth out with water and wait 30 minutes before brushing to reduce your cavity risk.

When it comes to cavity prevention, Elm Dental Care is one of the best resources to help defend your smile. Providing comprehensive care for the entire family, this St. Charles, MO, dentist will help reduce your cavity risk through routine cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. If necessary, this professional will restore decay through gentle treatments—such as composite fillings or root canals. Visit this dental clinic online for more details about their services; or, call (636) 916-4848 to schedule a visit with a friendly dentist.