Mouth bacteria are tricky, mischievous hole diggers. They’re strongest when left unchallenged and fed sugary or acidic foods and drinks. They use their powers to inflict chaos, producing harmful acids that attack your teeth and create holes—holes that grow deeper by the day.
Dental cavities, tooth decay, or dental caries—whichever name you choose for it, is a concerning condition and the most common dental issue in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 2.4 billion people globally suffer from untreated cavities in their permanent teeth. But did you know that dental cavities are contagious? If that took you by surprise, wait till you hear more.
Keep reading to discover little-known facts about dental cavities. Some may sound normal, and some may throw you off your chair. You never know.
However, if you want to benefit from the latest dental technology and techniques, visit the best dental clinic in Dubai.
1- Cavities Can Lead to Systemic Health Issues
Dental cavities are more than just tooth holes and mild pain; they’re potential infections that may spread beyond the mouth! For example, bacteria from dental infections can enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to conditions like endocarditis (infection of the heart lining) and increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Oddly enough, there’s a bidirectional relationship between oral health and diabetes. Neglecting oral hygiene makes maintaining stable blood sugar levels difficult. In return, high blood sugar increases the chances of dental decay and gum disease.
If that wasn’t enough to surprise you, listen to this: pregnant women with untreated cavities are at a higher risk for preterm birth and low birth weight. The bacteria can also be transmitted to the baby, affecting their oral health.
2- Fluoride Can Reverse Early-Stage Cavities
When it comes to cavities, using fluoride is how you can prevent a bad situation from becoming worse. Fluoride fixes the demineralization done by acids by promoting remineralization of the enamel and incorporating minerals like calcium and phosphate into the tooth structure, making it more resilient to decay.
The great thing about fluoride is its versatile sources. Fluoridated drinking water, toothpaste, mouth rinses, and professional treatments provided by dentists are all examples of where to find enough fluoride to keep your teeth strong and healthy.
Saying that fluoride is harmful is a widespread misconception. In truth, fluoride is perfectly safe for the mouth, teeth, and gums. However, just like anything else in the world, if ingested disproportionately, it will cause more harm than good. People say: “eating an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”, but did you know that eating too many apples a day invites the doctor to stay? To keep it simple, consume fluoride moderately, as recommended by your dentist and you’ll be more than fine.
3- Some Foods Are Worse Than Candy
Sticky Foods: Foods like raisins, granola bars, and gummy candies tend to stick to teeth, providing a longer-lasting source of sugar for bacteria. This can lead to prolonged acid production and a higher risk of cavities.
Starchy Foods: Carbohydrates like bread and chips can break down into sugars in the mouth, which feed cavity-causing bacteria. For instance, chewing bread can produce a paste that lingers between teeth, contributing to decay.
Acidic Foods: Foods and drinks high in acid, like citrus fruits and sodas, can erode enamel, making teeth more susceptible to cavities. While they may not directly cause cavities, they weaken the teeth and make them more vulnerable.
4- Cavities Are Contagious
Cavity-causing bacteria can be transferred by saliva. This means that sharing utensils, kissing, or even a caregiver’s saliva can introduce cavity-causing bacteria to others. For instance, infants are born without these bacteria, but they often acquire them from their parents or caregivers, illustrating the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene in adults to reduce the risk of transmitting harmful bacteria.
5- Cavities Can Develop Without You Knowing
Indeed, cavities might as well have tagged along with James Bond, given their stealthy spy skills. In the early stages of cavities, no pain or symptoms are experienced. They fly under the radar, and once they’ve infiltrated your tooth—boom! This is why regular checkups are important to avoid potential issues and stop them before they have the chance to hurt you.
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