Toothaches strike without warning, and when they do, they cause immense discomfort. Eating anything hot or cold can exacerbate this pain. This can be due to several reasons, from a broken tooth to a popcorn hull stuck in your gum.
But do you know that cavities are the most common cause of tooth pain? Dental caries, or cavities, affect an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide.
Many people attribute the formation of cavities to poor dental health or sugary snacks. But those aren’t the only culprits. There are several other things that can increase your risk of tooth decay or cavities.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of them.
#1. Sports Drinks and Energy Beverages
Gen Z’s obsession with health and wellness has made them turn to sports drinks and energy beverages. These ready-to-drink products might boost energy and help fight fatigue. But do you know that drinking them too often can mess up your dental health?
An article published recently in RDH Magazine reveals that athletes are at risk of oral complications, and one risk factor is the use of sports drinks. Though these drinks keep athletes hydrated, they increase their risk of dental caries or erosion.
These drinks are highly acidic, with a pH between 2.5 and 4.5. Consuming them frequently can create an acidic environment in the oral cavity, making teeth susceptible to cavities.
Sports drinks and energy beverages are also high in sugar. The frequent acid attacks can erode the enamel and promote the formation of cavities.
Avoid over-consuming these beverages. When you drink them, rinse your mouth with water to remove sugar and acid.
Also, never brush your teeth immediately after drinking sports and energy drinks. Otherwise, you’ll unknowingly brush off your enamel, increasing your risk of cavities. Wait for at least 30 minutes or an hour so that the pH of your mouth can return to normal levels.
Read This Blog: Tech Transformation: Inside Revo Technologies’ Journey in Murray, Utah
#2. Medications
We bet you didn’t know that certain medications can increase your risk of cavities. John Maneno, PharmD, states that some medications make the mouth more acidic or dry, which can cause tooth decay.
Over 400 medications can contribute to cavities. Some of them include medicines used to treat depression, high blood pressure, and Parkinson’s disease. These medications can cause dry mouth, a condition known as xerostomia.
Reduced saliva production creates an environment where harmful bacteria can thrive, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay and cavities. Use fluoride toothpaste when taking medications that cause dry mouth to reduce your risk of dental caries. Drinking water with fluoride can also help.
Most recently, the FDA warned people about the risks of cavities associated with the use of buprenorphine medicines. Oral buprenorphine medicine is used in the treatment of opioid use disorder. However, one study published in JAMA Network found an increased risk of adverse dental outcomes with the use of sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone.
There is an ongoing lawsuit against the buprenorphine/naloxone drug Suboxone. The acidic nature of the sublingual film of the drug, TorHoerman Law explains, can weaken tooth enamel and increase the risk of cavities, tooth loss, and gum disease.
Unfoturnately, this risk was undisclosed until 2022. After that, over a thousand lawsuits have been filed against Indivior, the manufacturer of Suboxone. The Suboxone lawsuit claims that the company failed to warn the users about the risks of cavities and tooth decay associated with using its sublingual films. As of 2024, no lawsuits have been settled yet.
#3. Chewing Ice
Chewing ice might seem like a harmless habit, especially on a hot day. But it can be dangerous for your oral health.
Ice is hard. Chewing it can cause microscopic fractures in your enamel. The University of Utah Health remarks that eating ice can cause long-term damage to your teeth, even if you can’t feel it or see it right away.
The possibility of fracture is high if there are fillings or restorations in your mouth. Should the bond of composite restorations be broken, bacteria can move past the filling and form a cavity under it.
Resist your urge to eat ice. If you do, don’t crunch it; instead, let it melt slowly in your mouth.
Altogether, munching on acidic or sugary foods and poor oral hygiene aren’t the only causes of tooth cavities. Other things, like sports and energy drinks, medications, and chewing ice, can also increase your risk of dental caries.
Understanding these unexpected risks is important since you can take preventative measures to keep your teeth healthy. See a dentist regularly. Should there be a cavity, they will treat it promptly to prevent further decay and infections.
J.K. Rolowing, an avid hiking enthusiast with 8 years of experience, blends passion and nature in captivating tales. Embracing the trail, weaving adventures through words.
