What causes cavities?
Cavities are caused by normal mouth bacteria that produce acid after food is present in the mouth. This acid dissolves the tooth and causes an infection, called tooth decay. Every time you eat, this acid reaction occurs in the mouth as the bacteria digests the sugars. This reaction lasts about 20 minutes. During this time, the acidic environment can destroy the tooth structure and lead to cavities. Consistency of a persons saliva can also make a difference. Thinner saliva breaks up and washes away food more quickly. When a person eats a diet high in sugar and high carbohydrates, they tend to have thicker saliva, which in turn leaves more bacteria that causes cavities.
Certain types of bacteria live in our mouths. When these bacteria come into contact with sugary foods left behind on our teeth after eating, acids are produced. These acids attack the enamel on the exterior of the teeth, eventually eating through the enamel and creating holes in the teeth, which we call cavities.
