The Primary Culprit Behind Cavities and How You Can Minimize Your Risk

Did you know that your enamel, the material which makes up the protective outer layer of each of your teeth, is the hardest substance in your body? But that does not make your teeth invincible. When bacteria build up on your teeth, they feed on the sugars from the foods and drinks you consume, causing cavities.

This is why your Sunnyvale, California dentist constantly reminds you to brush with fluoride toothpaste and floss between teeth. Still, if you do get a cavity, you can reach out to Dr. Ryan Zhuoran Zhao and the team at Harmony Smile Dental for help.

What Causes Cavities?

When you sit for a while after eating, have you ever noticed that your teeth feel “fuzzy”? Then when you brush and floss, this feeling is gone. This “fuzzy” feeling on the surface of your teeth is plaque, which can build up when we do not brush or floss. Plaque is all the bacteria and food particles that are allowed to settle on your teeth and create this sticky substance. Every day as you eat and drink, bacteria in your mouth feed off the food. When food is broken down into sugar, the existing bacteria convert these sugars into acid. When this acid is not brushed away, it will attack the outer enamel of your teeth. As your enamel wears due to the acid, this is what causes a cavity to form.

How Can You Reduce Your Risk for Cavities?

There are a number of habits and activities that will work to help prevent the formation of cavities. Some of these include:

• Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day
• Drink water with fluoride
• Limit your sugar and simple carb intake
• Limit snacking in-between meals
• Floss between your teeth daily

If you have questions about your oral health or if you are just looking for a dentist in the Sunnyvale, CA area, please call Dr. Ryan Zhuoran Zhao at Harmony Smile Dental by dialing (408) 738-1000.