Have you been told you have caries? If you aren't sure what they are, dental caries are another word for cavities. Here is an explanation of what cavities are and how you can prevent them.
What Are Cavities?
Cavities are the result of bacteria. The bacteria are always around in your mouth because they work to help you digest your food. Although bacteria are amazing, an abundance of bacteria means that you are far more likely to have both cavities and gum disease.
Cavities happen when the acids in bacteria eat away at the enamel surface of your teeth. If you don't get the cavity repaired by a dentist, the acids will eat all the way through your tooth down to the tooth pulp. You might not notice a cavity until it reaches your tooth pulp because your pulp has nerves that throb with pain when a cavity encroaches there. If you don't get a cavity fixed, it will eventually result in tooth loss.
What Should I Do?
If you shudder at the thought of getting cavities, there are some things you can do to make sure that you don't get a cavity. First, be sure you are brushing your teeth and flossing twice a day. This is the best way to get rid of harmful bacteria. Second, you will need to visit the dentist twice a year so that your mouth can be checked and any cavities you have can be fixed. Third, be sure that you are drinking a lot of water each day. If you drink 64 ounces of water or more, you'll flush a lot of bacteria out of your mouth and into your stomach, which means they can't remain in your mouth to cause cavities. Fourth, eat a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables that are full of fiber. Fruits, vegetables, and fiber act like natural toothbrushes for your teeth.