Facts and Myths about Tooth Cavities

When it comes to tooth cavities, there is unfortunately a lot of misinformation out there. In an attempt to fight the good fight against tooth decay, it is important to expose some of these myths about cavities.

One of the worst myths out there is that babies cannot get cavities. That notion is wholly false, as baby teeth are just as susceptible to decay as permanent teeth. Worse yet, the decay can spread to other teeth and even cause permanent teeth to come in incorrectly.

Another harmful myth is that you are always going to know it if you have a cavity because you will feel pain coming from it. In many cases, pain can signify a cavity, but not all cavities cause pain right away. That is part of the reason it is so important to visit the dentist every six months for a professional exam and cleaning. The dentist will be able to spot these sleeper cavities and treat them before they spread deeper into the tooth.

Many people also wrongfully believe that only sugar is capable of causing cavities. It is true that when the bacteria in plaque feed on sugar, a harmful acid byproduct is created that leads to tooth decay. What many people do not realize, though, is that carbs ultimately get broken down into sugar by our bodies. That means that rice, bread, and potatoes are just as capable of causing decay as a lollipop.

The greatest truth to hold onto when it comes to protecting your oral health is that prevention is the key to fighting tooth decay and cavities. That means regularly brushing and flossing your teeth, along with visiting our root canal dentist every six months for a professional exam and cleaning.

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