Here are some common reasons: Change in daily routine: If you weren't getting cavities before and now you are, it's highly likely that something in your life has changed that's causing the sudden onset. Consider lifestyle factors like diet, stress, starting school or a new job, and new habits.
Gum disease is very common amongst people in their 30's, and this age group is when it starts for those that have maybe neglected their teeth when they were younger, or are genetically susceptible to gum disease. If periodontitis is not addressed this can lead to losing your teeth prematurely.
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. Nearly 28% of children aged 2 to 5 develop a cavity.
Tooth decay can occur when acid is produced from plaque, which builds up on your teeth. If plaque is allowed to build up, it can lead to further problems, such as dental caries (holes in the teeth), gum disease or dental abscesses, which are collections of pus at the end of the teeth or in the gums.
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.
Not cleaning your teeth well, frequent snacking and sipping sugary drinks are the main culprits behind cavities. Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes.
Stress is linked to tooth decay due to the fact that it causes our bodies to flush out protective minerals and increase the acidic, bacteria-laden, cavity-causing environment in our mouth.
Fillings are caused by decay and the biggest cause of decay is sugar. I find many patients don't realise that it's not necessarily the amount of sugar that causes decay, but the frequency of the sugar intake. If we can prevent decay starting then we could reduce the need for fillings.
For all the good brushing does, it will not eliminate the cavity. The bottom line is you do not have the power to stop your cavity from growing. Your cavity will gradually expand to the point that it moves into the pulp chamber and spurs pain. If the cavity reaches the pulp of the tooth, it will require a root canal.
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. Some patients end up with ten or more fillings depending on how well they care for their teeth.
In general: amalgam fillings last 5 to 25 years. composite fillings last 5 to 15 years. gold fillings last 15 to 20 years.
Cavities start off small, but can cause tooth decay and other serious problems if they're allowed to get bigger. If you notice any tooth sensitivity, pain, discomfort, discoloration, or holes in your teeth, don't hesitate to call your dentist.
It's good to brush and floss twice a day, and many people do so. But brushing and flossing do not replace a complete cleaning and examination by a dental professional. Dentists and dental hygienists can spot early signs of disease and have access to tools and training that are not available to the layperson.
So what is the correlation between longevity and tooth loss? There is a good chance that a large number of people develop gum diseases. The bacteria that cause gum disease and eventually tooth loss slip into the bloodstream affect other vital functions, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, etc.
If you've been avoiding the dentist for more than a few years, you should know that it's never too late to get back into a good state of oral health. As long as you still have teeth, we can help you try to restore them to a healthy state.
In most cases, by the time you notice the symptoms of tooth decay, it will be too late to reverse the damage with natural methods. You will need to consult your dentist to prevent the damage from spreading to other areas of the tooth.
Although dark spots do not always indicate a cavity—they may just be surface stains—you have no real way of knowing. If you spy a black or brown spot on a tooth, your first course of action should be to schedule an appointment with a dentist.
Composite fillings fill the cavity and bond directly to the patients teeth. Because of this, the tooth and filling work together. This means that composite fillings do not make your teeth weaker, but they may make your teeth stronger.
While dental fillings can last for many years, sadly, they do not last forever. Eventually, all fillings need to be replaced due to constant stress from eating and drinking, and especially from tooth clenching and grinding. Over time, fillings can wear out, chip, crack, or even fall out altogether.
Despite the health benefits, drinking too much coffee can leave a lasting mark on your smile. In fact, research shows it can increase your risk of cavities because it's acidic, which can erode your enamel. As your enamel becomes thinner, it can also lead to tooth sensitivity.
Gum disease aside, there are a number of medical conditions that can contribute to dental cavities. In fact, conditions that jeopardize your teeth are so common that most readers of this article will have probably been affected at some point in their lives, or currently know someone who is affected.
It's Not Just Kissing
Kissing isn't the only way the bacteria that causes cavities can be transferred from one person to another. People with poor oral hygiene put others at risk doing other activities including: Sharing utensils or straws.
The complex relationship between female hormones and oral health can create various unwanted dental risks, symptoms, and problems at different stages of life — from gingivitis and dry mouth to an increased risk of tooth decay.