What is Causing my Cavities?

What is Causing my Cavities?

Specific bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans cause cavities. 

These bacteria are aerobic meaning they require oxygen to survive; having a 
dry mouth increases the chance for cavities. 

Cavity causing bacteria are different than the bacteria that cause gum disease, which lives in an anaerobic environment.  Both of these bacteria can be 
passed from person to person.
 
Plaque is also known as Biofilm. 

A microbial biofilm is a layer of prokaryotic organisms which adhere to a surface and are coated with a polysaccharide layer. 

​The biofilm increases the prokaryotic cells survival through increased defense, availability of nutrients, cellular communication, and the ability to transfer genetic material to each other.

A polysaccharide is composed of more than one sugar molecule.  Carbohydrates, Starch, Cellulose, and Glycogen are polysaccharides.

How the cavity is formed


Underneath the plaque, the bacteria produce acids as a by-product of their metabolism. 

The acids produced by the bacteria break down tooth structures, this is also known as demineralization. 

Once the demineralized tooth structure grows into an advanced bacterial colony, it is then defined as a cavity.



  • Metabolism is defined as the sum of all of the chemical reactions in a body, which breaks down larger molecules into smaller ones and releases energy, and which builds up large chemicals and requires energy. (2014) DAT prep by Kaplan Review Notes. New York, NY: Kaplan Publishing. 

  • For bacteria, their main energy source is sugar.

  • Demineralized is defined as the loss of bodily minerals (such as calcium salts) especially in disease; the process of removing mineral matter or salts.  
           “Demineralization.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, 2019, www.merriam-                   webster.com/dictionary/demineralization.

How to Prevent Cavities


  • Plaque needs to be removed daily to prevent it from forming cavities and turning into tartar, tooth brushing is a physical way you can remove dental plaque.  Some kinds of toothpaste have abrasive ingredients in them which can help with the plaque and stain removal, but the most effective tool is your toothbrush.

  • You can remineralize your teeth by using fluoride.

  • Since your toothbrush does not reach between your teeth, it is important to use floss, this allows you to clean between your gums and tooth structures. 


  • Getting the cavity removed (advanced bacterial colony) and having a filling placed will help prevent the bacteria from spreading from one tooth to a neighboring tooth.

  • Have sealants placed, this is a preventative protective coating that will protect the tooth surfaces from the acid of bacteria.  “Are patients doing enough to combat plaque biofilm?.”  RDH Magazine, March 2019, Page 12.    (2014) DAT prep by Kaplan Review Notes. New York, NY: Kaplan Publishing.


For further reading see the source below from the American Dental Association (ADA)
Tackling Tooth Decay

https://www.austinfamilydental.com/dental-fillings.html

Comments

  1. Yes, that is true, Cavity leads to gum disease which lose our teeth health. There are many ways available today to get rid of it. If anyone is looking for Gum Disease Treatment Houston then visit West Orem Dental Center.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for sharing this article here about the cavities. Your article is very informative and I will share it with my other friends as the information is really very useful. Keep sharing your excellent work. Dentist Boca Raton

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is an awesome post. Really very informative and creative contents. These concept is a good way to enhance the knowledge. I like it and help me to development very well. Thank you for this brief explanation and very nice information. Well, got a good knowledge.dental clinic near me

    ReplyDelete
  4. veneers teeth are thin, tooth-colored shells that are attached to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that helps to straighten teeth without the use of the typical metal braces.

    ReplyDelete
  6. while a periodontist only treats the gums and the bone supporting the teeth.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. we provide Dental Office Los Angeles at affordable prices. for more info visit our website.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi! Thanks for the great i nformation you havr provided! You have touched crucuial points!
    Gastroenterology

    ReplyDelete
  9. Got some useful knowledge from this post about cavities, I am really impressed by your overall work. Thanks for sharing such helpful information from this post. cheap dentures brisbane.

    ReplyDelete
  10. When it comes to certain types of dental care, your own gender is also an important consideration. And dentists are becoming more skilled in caring for women and men differently. goodsamdental.org

    ReplyDelete
  11. You have Shared great content here about Cavities. I am glad to discover this post as I found lots of valuable data in your article. Thanks for sharing an article like this.
    dentist in los angeles

    ReplyDelete
  12. You have Shared great content here about Dental. I am glad to discover this post as I found lots of valuable data in your article. Thanks for sharing an article like this.
    Dental implants conroe tx

    ReplyDelete
  13. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  14. A very delightful article that you have shared here.dental hospital near me Your blog is a valuable and engaging article for us, and also I will share it with my companions who need this info. Thankful to you for sharing an article like this.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I read your post and got it quite informative. I couldn't find any knowledge on this matter prior to. I would like to thank you for sharing this article here. Tooth extraction service in charlotte NC

    ReplyDelete
  16. Once the enamel has been eaten through and the underlying layer of the tooth is exposed, you have a cavity. At this point, your dentist will recommend a filling or alternative treatments to fill the tooth and build up its strength so acids and bacteria won't continue to eat away at the inner parts of the tooth. egdentalmex.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is excellent information which is shared by you. This information is meaningful and magnificent for us to increase our knowledge about it. Keep sharing this kind of information. Thank you. The woodlands tx dentist

    ReplyDelete
  18. The article you've shared here is fantastic because it provides a wealth of information about dentures in south carolina that will be incredibly beneficial to me. Thank you for sharing that. Continue to post.

    ReplyDelete
  19. The article you've shared here is fantastic because it provides some excellent information that will be incredibly beneficial to me. Thank you for sharing that. Keep up the good work. Sonic toothbrush

    ReplyDelete
  20. It is what I was searching for is really informative. It is a significant and useful post for us. Thankful to you for sharing video like this. family dentist in ballantyne

    ReplyDelete
  21. It is what I was searching for is really informative. It is a significant and useful post for us. Thankful to you for sharing video like this. family dental office in indian land sc

    ReplyDelete
  22. You have worked nicely with your insights. Lots of valuable data can be taken from your article. Genuinely it is a significant article for us. urgent dentist auckland

    ReplyDelete
  23. Your blog is very useful for those who are searching for this kind of information, this information is a solution for those who are confused about it. Thanks for sharing this blog with us. family smiles dental care

    ReplyDelete
  24. This is excellent information which is shared by you. It is what I was searching for is really informative. A good veneerscan remove all dental related problems. Thanks you so much for give this articel.

    ReplyDelete
  25. This article provided me with a wealth of information. The article is incredibly helpful and offers some of the most useful information. Thank you for sharing it with us. Dental Clinic near me

    ReplyDelete
  26. They require oxygen, oh ok. Didn't know.

    ReplyDelete
  27. The King Casino Resort - Hertzaman
    Find the perfect place herzamanindir.com/ to stay, play, and worrione.com unwind casinosites.one at Harrah's jancasino.com Resort gri-go.com Southern California. Get your points now!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi there to everyone, the contents present at this web page are actually amazing for people knowledge, well, you can also visit Bakersfield dentist no insurance. Keep up the good work.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Your blog contains lots of valuable data. It is a factual and beneficial article for us. Thankful to you for sharing an article like this.Neem Toothbrush Black Online

    ReplyDelete
  30. The post you have shared here about teeth and dental cavity is really great as it contains some good knowledge which is very useful for me. Thanks for posting it. Keep it up. Dental tools online Shop Worcestershire.dentist worcester

    ReplyDelete
  31. To better understand the cause, you may visit the best available dental clinic

    ReplyDelete
  32. Airdrie & Calgary Modern Family Dentist. We Follow the Fee Guide. Direct Billing To Insurance. Instant Financing. Dental Anxiety? Sedation Options Available. Free Consultation.
    dental implants Airdrie, AB

    ReplyDelete
  33. I read this article. I think You put a great deal of exertion to make this article. I like your work. www.suisuncitytreeservice.com

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Gum Disease and Gingivitis

What Causes Dry Mouth and How to Treat it