What causes tooth damage and decay ? If you were to randomly poll people on the street and ask them to name a few factors that cause tooth decay, most would mention a high-sugar diet and poor oral hygiene as leading causes of cavities. While these are significant factors, there are additional causes of cavities and tooth damage that many are unaware of. Here are some surprising factors that could compromise your dental health and lead to cavities.
If you enjoy unwinding with a glass of white wine after a long day, this dental advice might prompt you to reconsider your routine. While red wine is often thought to be the worst culprit for staining teeth, white wine can actually cause more damage. The tannins and acids in white wine make the surface of your teeth rough and porous, increasing their susceptibility to cavities. Consuming coffee or food right after drinking wine can further stain your teeth. The solution is to rinse your mouth with water after drinking white wine to neutralize its acidity.
Grinding Teeth While Sleeping
Years of teeth grinding and clenching during sleep can lead to significant tooth damage. Since grinding typically occurs unconsciously while asleep, many people are unaware they have this habit. A telltale sign is a sore jaw upon waking, often accompanied by a dull, constant headache. Stress can contribute to teeth grinding, but the most likely causes are crooked teeth, an abnormal bite, or missing teeth.
Addressing the root cause is essential. For example, if a missing tooth is the issue, consider modern tooth replacement options like dental implants. Ignoring chronic tooth grinding can result in fracturing, loosening, and loss of teeth.
Excessive Contact with Certain Chemicals
Frequent exposure to certain chemicals can damage your enamel, increase tooth sensitivity, or stain your teeth. These chemicals include BPA (found in many canned foods), chlorine, substances in teeth whitening strips, and some antibiotics. While avoiding some of these chemicals entirely may be difficult, being aware of their effects can help you limit exposure and protect your teeth.
Laser cavity detection can identify cavities that traditional methods might miss. To detect cavities early with our laser cavity detection, contact Westmoreland Dental Group to set up your appointment.