What Causes Cavities and Infections?

Healthy teeth are a valuable asset in everyday life, both for chewing food, speaking, and supporting self-confidence. However, many people experience problems such as cavities and tooth infections, which can cause pain to serious complications. What are the main causes of this problem, and how to prevent it? Let's discuss further! Causes of Cavities

Cavities or tooth decay is a condition in which the tooth structure is damaged due to the demineralization process. Here are some of the main causes of cavities:

1. The Habit of Not Brushing Your Teeth Properly Food residue that sticks to the teeth will turn into plaque. If this plaque is not cleaned properly, bacteria will multiply and produce acids that damage tooth enamel.

2. Consumption of Sweet Foods and Drinks Foods and drinks that contain high sugar, such as candy, chocolate, soda, and sweet tea, can accelerate the formation of acids that damage the tooth layer.

3. Lack of Fluoride Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Lack of use of fluoride toothpaste or drinking water that does not contain fluoride can increase the risk of tooth decay.

4. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) Saliva functions to help clean food residue and neutralize acid in the mouth. If saliva production decreases, the risk of cavities becomes higher.

5. Genetic Factors A more vulnerable tooth structure, such as thinner enamel, can also be a risk factor for cavities. Causes of Tooth Infection If cavities are left untreated, bacteria can spread deeper into the tooth layer and cause infection. Here are some of the main causes of tooth infection:

 

1. Untreated Cavities A tooth that already has cavities can cause bacteria to enter the tooth nerve, causing serious infection or tooth abscess.

2. Injury or Trauma to the Tooth A tooth impact or crack that is not treated immediately can be a gap for bacteria to enter causing infection.

3. Gum Disease (Periodontitis) Infection of the gums can spread to the tooth root, causing severe pain and swelling.

4. Imperfect Dental Care A loose filling or less than optimal root canal treatment can cause bacteria to continue to grow and infect the teeth.

 

Impact If Left Untreated If cavities and infections are left untreated, the impact can be more serious:

🚨 Severe toothache that interferes with daily activities.

🚨 Facial swelling due to spreading infection.

🚨 Permanent tooth loss due to severe infection.

🚨 Infection can spread to other parts of the body, including the heart and brain. 

Don't Wait Until It Hurts! Check with Hermina Serpong Hospital Immediately Overcoming cavities and infections early is the best step to maintain dental health and prevent further complications. At Hermina Serpong Hospital, we are ready to help you with the best dental health services.

 

 

Article Source: (International Journal of Oral Science, 2022) (Journal of Periodontology, 2023) (Journal of Dental Research, 2023)