What's Really Happening When You Get a Cavity?
Have you ever felt a twinge in your tooth when drinking something cold? Or a dull ache that won't go away? You might be feeling the effects of tooth decay. Tooth decay, also known as a cavity, is just what it sounds like: a tiny hole of damage that forms in your tooth. It’s one of the most common health problems, but the good news is that it's almost entirely preventable.
So, how does a hard, strong tooth get a hole in it? The process is a simple formula: Bacteria + Sugar = Acid.
Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria, good and bad. These bacteria form a sticky, invisible film on your teeth called plaque. The "bad" bacteria in plaque absolutely love to eat sugar—the same sugar found in sodas, candy, sports drinks, and even starchy foods like potato chips.
When you feed yourself sugary snacks, you're also feeding these bacteria. After their meal, the bacteria produce acid as a waste product. This acid is the real enemy. It's strong enough to attack the hard, protective outer layer of your tooth, called enamel.
The acid works slowly, dissolving the minerals that make your enamel strong. At first, this is just a small, weak spot. But if it's hit with acid again and again, that spot breaks down and a hole forms. If the hole gets deep enough to pass the enamel, it reaches the softer, sensitive layer inside. This is when you start to feel pain, as the hole gets closer to the tooth's nerve.
You can easily win this fight by:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to scrub away plaque and strengthen your enamel.
- Flossing once a day to remove plaque from between your teeth.
- Limiting sugary drinks and snacks so you aren't constantly feeding the acid-producing bacteria.
- Visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.