Why do Cavities Happen?

We've all been there before – sitting in the dentist chair when they say "you've got a cavity."

You cant help but wonder why or what caused it, but we are all too familiar with them.

Cavities happen to everyone, from babies to adults over the age of 40. The threat of having cavities is not something people will outgrow.

Most of the causes of cavities are from different strains of bacteria including:

Lactobacillus acidophilus - A bacteria that houses itself on the surfaces of your chewing teeth also known as your molars, this bacteria causes rampant tooth decay in children between the ages of 2 and 12.

Streptococcus has 6 strains of bacteria that attack the smooth sides of your teeth. This can lead to cavities on the sides of your teeth which are harder to detect.

When you are told that eating sugar causes cavities it is very true, and here is how it works. The streptococcus bacteria feeds on sugar that accumulates in your mouth, which in turn creates acid. The acid inside your mouth works on your teeth to weaken the enamel. Your body has a natural mechanism to neutralize the acid by producing saliva but that does not take effect for at least twenty minutes. Within those twenty minutes is when cavities are being formed.

The longer that sugar and acid stay on your teeth the more they can ruin the enamel and enamel does not regenerate itself.

Some easy ways to avoid getting cavities include; not eating or drinking before bed time, not eating candy everyday or multiple times a day, and definitely do not skip bed time brushing