Tooth Decay- It's Not Just Bad For Your Tooth

By Andrew M. Sklar, DDS

Andrew M. Sklar, DDS, PC

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Tooth Decay- It's Not Just Bad For Your Tooth

The most common question many dentists get asked by their patients, young and old, is “Doctor do I have any cavities?” You might be surprised to learn that if you are an adult diagnosed with cavities, the consequences are far greater than some time in the dental chair and possibly a lost tooth.

If you get cavities as an adult, chances are you are not cleaning your teeth effectively (or having them cleaned professionally), not eating properly, or have an underlying condition in play. Tooth decay is caused by specific types of acid-producing bacteria that cause damage in the presence of fermentable carbohydrates (sugars) such as fructose, sucrose, and glucose. If not removed by brushing and flossing, bacteria collects around the teeth and gums in a sticky, creamy-colored mass called plaque, which serves as biofilm.

In addition, many medicines (63% of most commonly prescribed list dry mouth as a known side effect) and medical conditions (like diabetes and Sjogren's syndrome) can increase your risk of cavities by reducing the amount of saliva, which helps buffer the acidic environment created by certain foods.

A cavity, if left untreated, can lead to an infected pulp and bacteria can then enter the blood stream. When disease-causing bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can provoke diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, stroke, and problems with lungs, kidneys, and joints.

So what can we do? Most important, brush, floss and visit your dentist regularly. Sometimes, complete plaque removal is difficult, even with good oral hygiene and the use of hygiene aids such as interdental brushes, water picks, and mouthwashes, and a dentist or dental hygienist is needed.

Your dentist can also detect and treat cavities early, before they can have more serious consequences. Some dentists will also apply sealants as a means of preventing cavities.

In addition, dietary modifications can decrease your risk of cavities. You can cut back on both the amount and frequency of sugar consumed by reading labels and minimizing snacking, especially on chewy, sticky foods.

In addition, certain kinds of cheese, like cheddar, can counter tooth decay if eaten soon after foods potentially harmful to teeth. And chewing on gum containing xylitol has been shown to reduce plaque by promoting the flow of saliva and inhibiting the growth of streptococcus mutans.