By creating an acidic environment in your mouth, bacteria erode tooth enamel. Everyone has saliva as a natural defense against these bacteria; however, some people have enough nutrients in their saliva to remineralize the teeth enough to stop cavities in their tracks.
People will only develop decay if the plaque and food are allowed to remain on the teeth for extended periods. So, if you brush thoroughly and remove all the plaque, no decay will develop. Similarly, if you eat a candy bar, but quickly remove the bits that stick in your mouth, you will not have a cavity.
Cavities are Almost Completely Preventable
Despite the prevalence of cavities, there's good news: cavities are nearly 100% preventable. You can prevent cavities by brushing twice per day for 2 minutes at a time, and flossing once per day. Additionally, you can take dietary actions to help prevent cavities.
As far as statistics for the average number of cavities, the number varies across different age groups. In general, adults develop an average of three cavities during their lifetimes. This means that the average adult has three or four fillings in their mouth.
Fluoride is a mineral that can prevent tooth decay from progressing. It can even reverse, or stop, early tooth decay.
Few people make it through life without at least one cavity. Cavities are the result of tooth decay, and everyone is at some risk. Fortunately, there are things you can do to minimize your risk.
Brushing alone is not enough
Most adult cavities form between the teeth. These are called interproximal cavities. When you allow food and bacteria to sit between the teeth, the bacteria will start eating away at your tooth enamel and the tooth itself, forming a cavity.
The lifetime of a dental filling
Dental fillings that are made of metal or gold materials are known to last upwards of 20 years. On the flip side, more modern materials such as porcelain should also last a while, however, typically, not more than 10 years.
Frank Medina, otherwise known as the "King of Windmills," has never had a cavity in his life. That would not be so unusual, except that he is 94 years old. Ripley's Believe it or Not calls him the “oldest man in the world with all his teeth who has never had a cavity."
Statistics for Cavities in Children
Teeth start to appear as early as four months of age, and all primary (“baby”) teeth should be in place by age three. 42% of children develop cavities from age 2 to 11.
Cavities are nothing to be embarrassed about, and they are definitely not something to try and ignore. Cavities that are not caught early on at your regular check-ups can cause tooth pain or aches, especially after ingesting hot, cold, sweet food or beverages.
Do cavity fillings hurt? Here's the short answer: No. Most fillings cause little to no discomfort during any part of the procedure.
Pretty much everyone gets a cavity or two in their lifetime, even with good dental hygiene. The average American adult has three fillings. But if you tend to get a lot of cavities, you may be wondering why. Are you more cavity-prone than other people?
Dental fillings can be a bit uncomfortable, but most people find that the pain is manageable. The procedure generally only lasts for a few minutes, and most people report that any pain they experience dissipates shortly after the filling is complete.
They're A Bigger Deal When Unnoticed Or Untreated
Our team wants you to remember: Cavities grow. They get very big. They damage your tooth. An infection may form.
Few people make it through life without at least one cavity. Cavities are the result of tooth decay, and everyone is at some risk. Fortunately, there are things you can do to minimize your risk. Here's the thing: everyone has natural bacteria that lives in their mouth.
What Does a Cavity Look Like? While it is usually difficult to see a cavity in its beginning stages, some cavities start with a whitish or chalky appearance on the enamel of your tooth. More serious cases can have a discolored brown or black color. However, most often there are no distinguishable red alerts.
Though good oral hygiene that includes brushing and flossing helps in preventing cavities, you may still get cavities. The reasons can be many, like the spaces between teeth that easily trap food, consuming too much cavity-causing foods and beverages, avoiding regular professional-level cleanings and checkups, etc.
Adults of all ages need to know, dentists say, that cavities are not just for kids. The risk can even rise as we age. "It's as much a problem in seniors as it is in kids," says Judith Jones, a professor of general dentistry, health policy and health services research at Boston University.
According to the National Institutes of Health, 92% of adults in the United States between the ages of 20 and 64 years have had cavities in their permanent teeth. Each of these individuals has an average of 3.28 cavities.
Stage One: White Spots
These white spots are representative of the demineralization of the tooth and can be easy to miss because they're likely to occur on your child's molars. A dental exam, of course, is designed to catch such cavities.
Cavities are small holes in the teeth. As a result, there is no natural way to remove them at home. Only a dentist can fix a cavity by filling it in. That said, home care can prevent cavities.
Cavities and tooth decay are among the world's most common health problems. They're especially common in children, teenagers and older adults. But anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants. If cavities aren't treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth.