If you suddenly keep having recurring cavities, something else might be going on in your mouth. Oftentimes, frequent or recurring cavities are due to one of the top 5 causes of tooth decay. At Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics, our cosmetic dentists in Spokane Valley can help you get rid of tooth decay and restore your smile’s appearance. Discover the top 5 causes of tooth decay and learn how we can help.
3 different people suffering from headaches

1. Stress

When you’re feeling stressed (which we can all relate to right now), it can affect your immune system. A lower performing immune system makes it more difficult for your body to fight off infections. It can also cause you to forget to take care of yourself like brushing and flossing your teeth regularly or eating more carbohydrates or sugar. Stress has a ripple effect through the body which can cause tooth decay in the end.

2. Not Brushing or Flossing Correctly

If you’re not brushing correctly and missing spots in your mouth, you’re leaving plaque and bacteria on your teeth. The same is true with flossing. Whether you’re not flossing, doing it inconsistently or incorrectly, not removing food debris, plaque or bacteria in your mouth can easily lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

3. Exercising More

It’s normal to get a dry mouth when you exercise. This is why hydration is so important. If you don’t stay hydrated during and after your workouts, the dry mouth can lead to tooth decay. This is because saliva washes away bacteria in your mouth and when you have a dry mouth, this isn’t happening.

4. Brushing Too Hard

When you brush your teeth, you should use a soft bristle brush and gently brush your teeth. If you brush too hard it can lead to receding gums and destroy your enamel. The enamel protects your teeth from cavities and decay when it experiences damage, it can’t protect your teeth as well – resulting in tooth decay.

5. Cold or Flu

During a cold or flu, it’s common to experience dry mouth as a side effect of certain medications. Unfortunately, the longer you live with dry mouth, the more cavities you can experience. Make sure to stay extra hydrated when you’re sick.

If you have tooth decay, don’t worry, we’re here to help! After we remove the tooth decay, we will restore your tooth using tooth-colored dental fillings. You won’t have to worry about your tooth decay progressing to a more serious dental condition or hurting your beautiful smile. We can help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. If you think you have a cavity or are overdue for a dental exam, please contact us to schedule an appointment in the future at (509) 927-2273 today.