How Cavities Begin and What You Can Do About Them

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If you are curious about how cavities come into being, we can help you there. We will briefly explain the how it happens and what you can do to prevent the issue.

The source of the problem comes from bacteria that live in your mouth. These are the same bacteria that form into plaque, which we all wage a near constant battle with.

These bacteria consume the food debris in your mouth, and sugar is their favorite meal. As they break down the sugar and food debris, they generate acids that can steadily eat away at your enamel. High quantities of sugar can help them make quite a bit of this acid. Overtime, a hole can be created in your teeth, a cavity in other words.

While the bacteria cannot be permanently removed, you can take steps to curb their efforts. As you work to eat healthy and limit how much sugar you eat, they cannot produce as much acid. If you keep up with brushing and flossing, you can remove most of the bacteria so they have fewer chances of creating a cavity. You can also visit our dentist, Dr. Derek Takai, for regular cleanings, which can get rid of anything your brush and floss might miss.

We are more than happy to help you prevent cavities and other issues. To schedule a visit at our office in Honolulu, Hawaii, feel free to call 808-732-1424. We look forward to seeing you!