Disclosure :: This post is sponsored and written by Allyn L. Clause, DDS MSD – a local mom and dentist at Lafayette Pediatric Dentistry. Read other posts by the Lafayette Pediatric Dentistry team HERE.
Busting Common Myths in Dentistry: The Causes of Cavities Edition
In our dental office, we often see parents of patients who are surprised or confused when they are diagnosed with cavities. Many of them wonder why cavities have formed, especially when they feel like they’re taking care of their teeth. The truth is, there are several factors at play, and misconceptions about dental health can contribute to this confusion. In this post, we’ll address some of the most common myths surrounding cavities. By debunking these myths, we hope to provide clarity and empower you to take more effective steps in maintaining your dental health. Let’s dive in!
Myth #1: Cavities occur from the amount of sugar consumed.
A common myth is that it’s the amount of sugar consumed that causes cavities. However, that’s not entirely true. The real culprit is the frequency of sugar consumption. It’s not just about how much sugar you eat, but how often you expose your teeth to sugary substances throughout the day. A helpful way to think about it is: “If you sip all day, you’ll get decay.” Sipping on sugary drinks like soda, juice, or sports drinks constantly is much worse than drinking them all at once in a short period of time. This is because it takes around 20 minutes for your saliva to neutralize the acid from sugary drinks. So, every time you sip on something sugary, your mouth is in a cavity-prone state, increasing the risk of tooth decay. To sum it up: it’s best to sip on water throughout the day to keep your teeth safe from decay.
Myth #2: Watered down juice won’t cause cavities.
We hear this so often in our office that it deserves its own section. Many people think that watering down juice can prevent cavities because it reduces the sugar content. Frequently drinking diluted juice is just as harmful as drinking regular juice often. While it’s true that diluting juice lowers the sugar concentration, it doesn’t eliminate the risk of cavities. The problem is that even diluted juice still contains natural acids and sugars that can interact with the bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria feed on sugars and produce acids, which attack your tooth enamel, leading to decay.
Myth #3: A tooth can’t get another cavity once it has a crown.
Another common myth is that once a tooth has a crown, it’s completely protected from cavities. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. While a crown can protect the tooth from further damage and decay, it doesn’t make the tooth invincible. The tooth is still susceptible to decay, especially along the edges where the crown meets the natural tooth. It’s also possible for cavities to form on neighboring teeth if proper oral hygiene isn’t maintained. So, while a crown can protect the tooth from external damage, it doesn’t mean you can ignore brushing, flossing, or regular dental visits. Good oral hygiene is still essential to keep the tooth and surrounding teeth healthy.
Myth #4: It doesn’t matter if kids don’t care for their teeth because they’re going to fall out anyway.
Yes, baby teeth eventually fall out, but it’s important to understand that cavities in baby teeth can have lasting effects. The bacteria that cause cavities remain active during the eruption of adult teeth, increasing the risk of cavities in the new teeth as well. In other words, cavities in baby teeth often lead to cavities in adult teeth. Baby teeth are vital not only for proper eating, speaking, and the development of adult teeth, but they also contribute to a child’s overall health and confidence. So, keeping those little teeth healthy is more important than many might think! Just as we encourage healthy eating and exercise from a young age to build lifelong habits, we also want to promote good oral hygiene early on to ensure a healthy adult smile.
We hope this helps clear things up for you. If you have any questions or would like more information about your child’s dental health, please don’t hesitate to give us a call — we’re always here to care for you and your family.
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Other Dental Related Topics that May Be of Interest ::
- Why Does My Child Have White Spots on Their Teeth?
- What if My Kid Freaks Out at the Dentist?
- Tips on Weaning Your Little One From Thumb & Finger Sucking
- Sleep Disordered Breathing: More Common Than You Think!
- Why Take X-Rays Routinely at the Dentist?
- Teething Toddler Woes: Tips and Tricks For Relief
- The Most Common Causes of Cavities
- Four Reasons Moms Should Reconsider Fruit Snacks
- Why Is My Child Grinding Their Teeth At Night?
- The Truth About Tongue and Lip-Ties
- The Most Common Causes Of Discolored Teeth
About The Author
Dr. Allyn LaCombe Clause is a pediatric dentist at Lafayette Pediatric Dentistry. She is a native of Eunice and is thrilled to be living close to home again, serving the little patients of the Acadiana area! Dr. Clause received her doctorate from the LSU School of Dentistry in 2021 and completed an additional two years of a Pediatric Dentistry Residency at LSU afterward. Dr. Clause and her husband Adam are proud parents of their beautiful daughter Azalea! When she’s not occupied with being a mother or taking care of baby teeth, she enjoys playing tennis and pickle ball. She’s even working on a children’s book!
