Most of us have been told since childhood to brush our teeth twice a day and floss at least once to prevent cavities. Although 90% of adults in America under the age of 59 have had at least one cavity, many people do not know much about the malady, or have been led to believe a myth that is not true. To help clarify the truth about tooth decay, Dr. Ciro Cabal, an experienced orthodontist in Lake Worth, tests your knowledge about the silent epidemic with this short true or false quiz.
True or False: Cavities
Q: Cavities are formed from eating too much sugar.
A: This is a trick question, and is both true and false. Sugar contributes to the formation of cavities, but it is not the main cause. The true culprit is acid, which oral bacteria excrete after consuming the sugars and carbs in your meal.
Q: Cavities are more likely to affect kids than adults.
A: False. Advancements in preventive dentistry have brought us innovative treatments like dental sealants and fluoride treatments, which have reduced the number of cavities in school-aged children by almost half during the last 20 years. Senior citizens, however, have experienced in increase in tooth decay occurrence, due to factors like medications that can cause dry mouth—an inadequate supply of saliva, which is your mouth’s natural weapon against tooth decay.
Q: If your tooth doesn’t hurt, then you don’t have a cavity.
A: False. This belief is one of the most damaging myths about cavities, because it can prevent patients from seeking dental treatment. The truth is, however, that mild tooth decay does not cause symptoms. Tooth discomfort occurs when the decay has progressed enough to irritate or damage the nerves at the center of your tooth. Attending your six-month dental checkup can allow your dentist to inspect your teeth for early signs of decay, increasing your chances of successful, minimally-invasive treatment.
Advice from Your Lake Worth Orthodontist
Although not necessarily a myth, the added risk of tooth decay that crooked teeth present deserves to be addressed, as well. Crooked or misaligned teeth risk more than your self-confidence; the edges and odd angles created by crooked teeth offer exceptional hiding spots for oral bacteria to hide and produce acid, often out of your toothbrush’s reach. Straightening your smile can help eliminate this added risk and improve your chances of preventing tooth decay. To learn more about straightening your smile or protecting your oral health, call Lake Country Orthodontics today at (817) 236-7846 to schedule a consultation with your Lake Worth orthodontist. Located in the 76135 area, we proudly serve families from Lake Worth, Azle, Saginaw, Springtown, Weatherford, Haslet, Lake Worth, and all surrounding communities.
