Simply put, a cavity, as the name suggests, is a hole in the teeth led by tooth decay due to lack of oral care or consumption of too many sugary foods. When the tooth enamel starts to wear down, cavities form. Although anyone can get cavities, proper brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings can prevent cavities to a great extent.
When the bacteria in the mouth that feeds on starchy and sugary food substances convert carbohydrates into acids. Together bacteria, food, saliva, and acid begin to form plaque which then starts coating the teeth. And with improper or inadequate brushing and flossing, plaque starts to dissolve the tooth enamel creating cavities or holes in the teeth.
Other than brushing and flossing, what also helps prevent cavities is fluoride. When the cavities are in an early stage and caught early, fluoride treatments can repair the tooth enamel and this process is called remineralization. Your dentist may suggest you a toothpaste containing fluoride, mouthwash, or fluoride treatment at the dentist.
Fluoride toothpaste help by converting hydroxyapatite into considerably harder fluorapatite making the teeth' enamel harder thereby preventing cavities.
However, from a very practical standpoint, toothpaste isn’t as effective in preventing cavities as brushing itself. Adopting an appropriate oral care routine that involves proper brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day goes a long way in ensuring good dental health. Fluoride toothpaste although effective can only resist the early signs of tooth decay as they help strengthen the enamel of teeth.
Although toothpaste containing fluoride may help enhance the health of your teeth, it won’t as nearly effective if you’re not brushing properly. No matter which toothpaste you use, it is important to go for timely dental cleanings from your dentist which will also help you catch any early cavities or other teeth issues. In most cases, the impact of fluorides is very subtle and only a professional would be able to tell the difference it may have made.
Besides this, for those who are prone to mouth sores or rashes, considering an organic toothpaste that is free from sulfates and parabens may be the best option. Following a healthy diet and do not give in to frequent munching and consumption of sugary or starchy food items is also a great contributor to overall oral health along with adopting a good oral care routine.
