5 Causes of Cavities You May Not Know About
Everyone knows that eating too much candy or not brushing your teeth can cause cavities. But there are also other, less obvious reasons that can damage your teeth without you even noticing.
Here are 5 surprising causes of tooth decay:
1. Having a Dry Mouth
Saliva helps protect your teeth. When you don’t have enough (for example, due to certain medications or stress), your teeth become more vulnerable.
Tip: Drink water regularly and chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva.
2. Drinking Acidic Beverages (Even Without Sugar)
Some drinks, like diet sodas or sparkling water, don’t contain sugar, but they are acidic. And acid can wear down your tooth enamel.
Advice: Try to drink them during meals or use a straw to reduce contact with your teeth.
3. Snacking All Day Long
Even if you snack on “healthy” foods like dried fruits or granola bars, your teeth are under attack every time you eat.
Better option: Stick to regular meal times and avoid constant snacking.
4. Having Acid Reflux
When stomach acid comes up into your mouth (reflux), it can slowly erode your teeth.
Watch out: If you often feel heartburn or a sour taste in your mouth, speak to your doctor.
5. Mouth Breathing
Breathing through your mouth (especially at night) dries it out. And as we mentioned, less saliva = higher risk of cavities.
Tip: If you often wake up with a dry mouth or snore frequently, see a specialist. It could be a breathing issue that needs to be addressed.
In Summary
Cavities aren’t just caused by sugar. Many small everyday habits can silently weaken your teeth.
Good brushing, staying hydrated, and a few smart changes can make a big difference!
Sacha Touboul
