What Are Cavities and How Can I Keep Them Out?

If you’ve ever been told you have a cavity, you probably thought, Great, now I need a filling. But here’s the thing—cavities don’t just appear out of nowhere. They’re the end result of a process that starts small and silent, often before you feel a single twinge of pain. The good news? You have more control over preventing them than you might think.

Cavities 101: How They Happen

A cavity is essentially tooth decay—damage to the hard surface of your tooth caused by acids produced by bacteria. Here’s the chain reaction:

1. You eat foods (especially sugary or starchy ones).
2. The bacteria in your mouth feed on those sugars and release acid.
3. Acid erodes the protective enamel layer.
4. Over time, this erosion creates a hole—aka, a cavity.

Left untreated, cavities can dig deeper, reaching the softer dentin layer and eventually the tooth’s nerve, causing pain and sometimes infection.

Why Routine Dental Visits Matter

Here’s the truth—brushing and flossing are vital, but they’re not enough to completely protect you. That’s where routine dental visits come in.

At Gresham Advanced Dentistry, routine checkups and cleanings help:

• Catch decay early – Most cavities are tiny when they start and can be stopped or reversed before they require drilling.
• Remove stubborn plaque and tartar – Even the best toothbrush can’t clear every bit of buildup, especially around the gum line or between teeth.
• Spot trouble before it hurts – X-rays and a trained eye can detect cavities forming in hidden areas.

The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist every six months for these very reasons. Skipping those visits is like skipping oil changes in your car—you might save time now, but you’ll pay more for repairs later.

How to Keep Cavities Out for Good

Preventing cavities isn’t complicated—it’s about building daily habits that stop decay before it starts.

1. Brush Twice a Day – Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. Two minutes, morning and night, is the magic number.
2. Floss Daily – Flossing isn’t optional—it reaches the 40% of tooth surfaces your toothbrush can’t.
3. Watch Your Diet Limit sugary snacks and drinks. When you do have them, enjoy them with meals rather than grazing throughout the day.
4. Stay Hydrated – Drinking water—especially fluoridated tap water—helps wash away food particles and strengthen enamel.
5. Use Mouthwash – An antibacterial rinse can cut down harmful bacteria and give your enamel an extra layer of defense.

The Benefits of Staying on Top of Dental Care

Research from the Journal of Dental Research shows that regular dental cleanings and checkups can reduce the risk of cavities by up to 60%. Here’s why it’s worth the effort:

• Fewer fillings and procedures – Prevention costs far less than treatment.
• Stronger, longer-lasting teeth – Healthy enamel can serve you for life.
• Better overall health – Oral infections can affect the rest of your body; prevention helps lower that risk.
• Confidence in your smile – Healthy teeth look and feel better.

Think of preventive dental care as a shield—one that strengthens every time you brush, floss, eat smart, and see your dentist.

If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, now’s the time to get back on track. Call Gresham Advanced Dentistry at (503) 664-9993 to schedule your next visit in Gresham, OR. Let’s work together to keep cavities out—for good.