By EKalman February 23, 2022 - 1:02am

Tooth decay (or cavity) is a condition in which a hole occurs in your tooth. This condition is caused by bacteria that produce acids. When the tooth is exposed to acids, tooth enamel develops a cavity. Even though tooth decay is a well-known condition, it is still surrounded by various myths and misconceptions. In this article, we have gathered six facts about tooth decay that you should know about.

1. Tooth decay is extremely common
Tooth decay is deemed one of the most common health issues that affect people all over the world. Incredibly, tooth decay is the second most widespread condition after the common cold. Cavities can develop in both children and adults. That's why it is essential to visit your dentist twice a year for examinations.

2. Sugar doesn't cause cavities
There is a common misconception that sugar wears out your tooth enamel and causes cavities. But you should understand that sugar can't remove your tooth enamel on its own. Indeed, it promotes the development of tooth decay by feeding on cavity-causing bacteria. That's why it is extremely important to limit sugar consumption and rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating sweets

3. Tooth decay can develop asymptomatically
Many people believe that they can tell for sure whether they have or don't have cavities but the truth is that tooth decay can develop asymptomatically for a long time until it reaches the sensitive layer of the tooth called the pulp. Indeed, you can experience tooth sensitivity before the cavity effects of the pulp. But in most cases, a toothache occurs when a cavity becomes quite deep. So if you want to prevent the development of severe tooth decay, you need to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a checkup.

4. Cavities can be sealed only by a dentist
There are a lot of home remedies that are aimed at treating tooth decay. But the reality is that they can only relieve a toothache caused by cavities. There are also special pastes that can fill a cavity. However, only a dentist can properly treat tooth decay by removing the damaged tissues and sealing a cavity with a dental filling. So if you have a cavity, it is better to make an appointment with the dentist rather than use questionable home remedies that can worsen your condition.

5. Proper oral hygiene is the best way to prevent tooth decay
If you want to significantly decrease your risk of developing tooth decay, you need to maintain proper oral hygiene. It is extremely important to brush your teeth twice a day: in the morning before meals and in the evening after meals. You should also use dental floss to remove food particles that can get stuck between your teeth since they can also promote bacteria overgrowth. Using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash can also help prevent cavities since fluoride can strengthen your tooth enamel and even reverse the initial stages of tooth decay.

6. Untreated tooth decay can lead to tooth loss
Many people think that it is not necessary to treat tooth decay especially if it doesn't cause severe pain or other symptoms. But you should understand that without timely and effective treatment, tooth decay can destroy the entire tooth. This means that such an affected tooth may need to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant.

The bottom line
It is important to understand that tooth decay is a quite serious issue that requires medical attention. However, you can prevent its development with a help of a healthy diet and proper oral hygiene.