What causes cavities? And how to prevent cavities ?

What causes cavities?
Dental cavities, or caries, are tiny holes in the hard surface of the teeth. They are caused by bacteria on the surface of teeth creating acid out of sugar. The most common culprit is a bacterium known as Streptococcus mutans.

The bacteria form a sticky film known as plaque. The acids in plaque remove minerals from (demineralize) your enamel — a coating of the teeth made mostly of calcium and phosphate. This erosion causes tiny holes in the enamel. Once the acid damage spreads into the dentin layer underneath the enamel, a cavity forms.

How to prevent cavities?

1. Sugar-free gum
Sugar-free gum containing a compound called casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) has been shown to reduce S. mutans even more than xylitol-containing chewing gum. You can find this type of gum in stores.

2. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important to help absorb calcium and phosphate from the food you eat. Studies show an inverse relationship between eating foods high in vitamin D and calcium, like yogurt, and cavities in young children.

3. Brush with fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride plays an important role in preventing cavities and remineralizing enamel. Extensive research has been done to show that regularly brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste prevents cavities.

4. Cut out sugary foods
The World Health Organization says that eating sugar is the most important risk factor for cavities. They recommend reducing your sugar intake to less than 10 percent of your total caloric intake for the day.

5. Licorice root
Extracts from the Chinese licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) can combat the bacteria responsible for dental cavities, according to at least one study.

6. Seeing a dentist
Many dental problems, even deep cavities, develop without any pain or other symptoms. Regular dental checkups are the best way to catch a cavity before it gets worse. Early diagnosis means easier treatment.

When choosing a hospital for a checkup, be sure to choose one with the best dental equipments, such as advanced dental X-ray machines, to ensure you know more about the condition of your teeth.