Busting Myths About Cavities

Even in our adult lives, cavities still remain a mystery to some of us. Cavities happen over time and are not often noticeable, so being aware of how they can form and how to take care of them is essential to our dental health. The more you understand your mouth, the more precaution you can take in your everyday life. Below are some common myths about cavities and the truths that lie behind them.

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Myth: Sugar is the cause of all cavities.

Truth: While sugar is a big culprit of cavities, it isn’t the cause of all cavities. Starches, for example, are a huge bacteria stimulator that erodes away at the enamel. It’s important to know the workings behind a cavity: they’re caused by bacteria that have a high acidic pH. When the mouth is particularly acidic, which may be caused by sugary food, candy, soda, starches like bread or pasta, etc, the bacteria or biofilm that covers our teeth, turns acidic and starts to destroy the enamel — otherwise known as tooth decay.

Myth: I’ll know when I have a cavity because I’ll feel it.

Truth: When thinking of myths about cavities, it can be easy to go by feel. Most of the time, we have no idea we have cavities at all. Cavities don’t actually hurt unless the decay becomes really bad. However, it’s important to not let it get to this point, as by now it may have caused some serious issues that will cost more or take longer to repair. It’s important to stay up-to-date with regular check-ups to avoid this from happening.

Myth: Brushing & Flossing will fight the decay away.

Truth: While brushing and flossing help keep teeth clean and ward off a good amount of bad bacteria, it doesn’t actually remove all the plaque. Plaque that hangs around eventually calcifies and become tartar, which can only be removed with special dental tools. This is why it’s important to visit the dentist at least twice a year for regular dental cleaning.

Myth: Fluoride will stop the decay.

Truth: Using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash does help manage tooth decay, but it won’t completely keep plaque at bay or cure cavities that are already there. Overall, fluoride works to reduce the amount of acid produced by bacteria and therefore strengthens enamel because it’s being exposed to less of this acid. However, some people are staying clear of fluoride as it can cause a slew of other health issues, including: “skeletal fluorosis, arthritis, compromised kidney and thyroid health, and female puberty acceleration.” (link) While some fluoride use is natural and healthy for teeth, at the end of the day, use your best judgment and consult with a professional dentist on whether or not fluoride products are right for you.

Myth: Regular snacking prevents cavities.

Truth: One myth that has gained popularity is that snacking frequently will prevent cavities. The thought behind this is that snacking will produce saliva, and saliva, which is full of minerals that aid in protecting enamel, will help keep teeth healthy and cavity-free. Unfortunately, this myth has one problem: it forgets the part about the food you’re eating. Adding sugars and starches to your mouth regularly actually increases the production of acid and is therefore detrimental to teeth enamel. Your teeth need time to recover between eating, so, if you must snack, try to do it in moderation with plenty of time in between.

Myth: The mercury in fillings is dangerous.

Truth: There’s a lot of talk about the mercury used in fillings — is it safe? Will I be paying for this later on in life? The dangerous mercury we’re thinking of is not the same as the one used in our teeth. Our tooth fillings contain a small amount of mercury, but also other materials like zinc, copper, etc. This substance is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is absolutely safe for anyone over 6 years old.

Cavity Fillings in Downtown Los Angeles

At the end of the day, if you have any cavity concerns, it’s best to get your answers straight from the source: a professional dentist. Give Samaritan Dental a call to have other myths about cavities, put to bed.