Halloween may be over, but we're still snacking on our trick-or-treating goodies − could they be causing dental issues?
The most common reason we experience a toothache is tooth decay that forms a cavity on the surface of the tooth. But it's more than sugar that can cause a cavity.
So while you're enjoying your spooky sweets, here's what to know about cavities, from what causes one and how they can be prevented.
What are cavities? What do cavities look like?
Cavities are also known as dental caries and are breakdowns in the structure of a tooth or erosion on the surface of the tooth that results in a hole or other form of indentation. The existence of one "indicates that bacteria have penetrated the tooth," Dr. Corbin Popp, a practicing dentist at Colorado BioDental + Esthetics in Littleton,
Colorado,previously told USA TODAY. Such bacteria are found in a sticky, colorless film that forms on the surface of your teeth called plaque.
In the early stages of plaque eroding or penetrating a tooth, cavities can be harder to spot. But more advanced ones will be easier to see as holes form on the surface of a tooth. Sometimes these holes form between teeth or under a part of the gumline that isn't readily visible, however, which is why dentists often need to take an X-ray or probe a tooth during a dental exam.
Beyond visibly spotting one, symptoms that might indicate you have a cavity include aching or discomfort; tooth sensitivity; pain when you bite down; brown, black or white staining on the surface of a tooth; or mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold, Dr. Erinne Kennedy, a dentist and former consumer adviser spokesperson for the American Dental Association, previously told to USA TODAY.
Once a cavity is discovered, Popp says a dentist can clean away the plaque, remove the decay and fill the hole with a composite material before the restored tooth is shaped and polished to look good as new again.
What causes cavities in teeth?
Cavities are usually caused by acidic foods, sugar and bacteria forming plaque or adhering to existing plaque. "The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth for elongated periods," Kennedy explained. Over time, this breaks down the surface of the tooth until a hole or cavity is formed. Such erosion and penetration "starts in the enamel, which is the hard, outer layer of your teeth," Kennedy added.
Snoring or a condition known as dry mouth can also contribute to the formation of cavities because both indicate that saliva production might be down. This matters because lysozyme is an enzyme that's present in saliva and it naturally stops plaque from growing. But an especially dry mouth means this enzyme isn't as prevalent, limiting its ability to fight or prevent the plaque-causing bacteria from forming.
Genetics can also play a part in the formation of cavities as some people naturally have weaker enamel than others. Teeth grinding can also cause more cavities to occur as grinding teeth together strips them of some of the protective enamel that could otherwise prevent tooth decay.
No matter the cause, cavities are not uncommon. The U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that nearly 90% of adults have had cavities in their teeth. In fact, "tooth decay is the most common chronic disease globally," Kennedy said.
How are cavities prevented?
The trick to avoiding cavities comes down to reducing intake of the sugar and acidic foods that cause plaque to build up and cleaning your teeth properly and often to prevent the formation of bacteria.
In addition to limiting sweets like candy and any sugary drinks, "good sleep and good habits can promote good oral flora and good pH," Popp said. Dental pH refers to the presence of saliva being in the mouth. Sleeping with your mouth closed or treating snoring-causing conditions like sleep apnea can be helpful. Swishing water in your mouth after eating or drinking can also help with saliva production, and will be particularly useful if the food or drink was sugary.
But the most crucial part of oral hygiene comes down to keeping your teeth clean and the surface of your tongue free of too much bacteria. "You can practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner and replacing your toothbrush every three or four months," Kennedy said. Giving your tongue a quick brush and using bacteria-killing mouthwash can also be helpful. "And don't forget to schedule regular dental check-ups to keep your smile healthy," Kennedy added.
Contributing: Sara Moniuszko, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Halloween cavities? What to know about dental decay and how to prevent it
