Dentistry
What Are the Main Causes of Cavities?
Table of Contents
Key Points
- The leading causes of cavities include exposure to sugar through sugary foods and drinks, and neglecting oral hygiene.
- The vast majority of people living in the United States develop at least one cavity by the time they’re 30.
- Risk factors for developing cavities include a family history of tooth decay, snacking between meals, and dry mouth.
- A cavity develops when bacteria in the mouth mix with sugar, creating an acid that erodes the enamel of the tooth.
- The ADA recommends certain habits to prevent cavities from developing, including brushing twice per day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and seeing a dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.
- Symptoms of cavities include pain in the mouth, tooth pain, white or discolored spots on the tooth, pain when you bite down, increased tooth sensitivity, bad breath, and a bad taste in your mouth.
- In the early stages of cavities or tooth decay, you might not experience any apparent symptoms.
- If a tooth becomes abscessed, it may cause severe pain as well as swelling in your cheeks and face.
- There are various methods of treating cavities once they’ve formed, including fluoride treatments, fillings, root canals, and, in severe cases, tooth extraction.
- Consult with your dentist for personalized recommendations for preventing and treating dental cavities.
What Are the Main Causes of Cavities?
The two main causes of tooth decay are: consuming too many sugary drinks and foods, and poor oral hygiene. There are also certain risk factors that may make a person more prone to cavities, including a family history of tooth decay.
What Is A Cavity?
A cavity is a hole in the tooth caused by tooth decay. Cavities are a common concern. Over 80% of people in the U.S. develop at least one cavity by their 30th birthday.[1] Cavities, also known as dental caries, can be prevented using adequate oral hygiene, including regular dental check-ups. Some people may be more prone to developing cavities than others, but there are things you can do to prevent them from forming.
Risk Factors for Developing Cavities
Although anyone can get a cavity, there are certain risk factors that could make you more prone to dental caries, including: [2]
- Dry mouth due to medical conditions or medications
- Family history of tooth decay
- Gum recession
- Eating sugary foods or starchy foods
- Drinking sugary beverages
- Snacking between meals
- Prior radiation therapy for head or neck cancers
Symptoms of Cavities
As a cavity first develops, it might not cause any noticeable symptoms. That’s why regular dental checkups are so important. Once decay sets in, you might experience some clear symptoms of a cavity, including: [3]
- General tooth and mouth pain
- White spots on teeth (can be gray or brown in some cases)
- Pain when you bite down
- Increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages
- Holes or pits in your tooth
- Bad breath
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Facial swelling (common with an abscessed tooth)
If you experience any symptoms of dental cavities, it’s best to see a dentist right away. Cavities will only progress if left untreated and can cause a host of other problems, including tooth loss. The sooner a cavity is treated, the better the prognosis.
What Are the Causes of Dental Decay?
There are two main causes of tooth decay: consuming too much sugar and starch, and neglecting oral hygiene. [4] Often, these two factors work together to create the perfect storm that forms a cavity. Bacteria in your mouth turn sugars into acid, eroding the enamel on your teeth and causing plaque build-up. If not cleaned away, these acids can dissolve tooth enamel, creating holes (or cavities) in your teeth.
How to Prevent Cavities
According to the American Dental Association, there are various ways to prevent cavities. Consider these methods of cavity prevention: [5]
- Brush at least twice per day.
- Use fluoride toothpaste every time you brush.
- Floss between your teeth at least once per day to remove dental plaque.
- Limit snacking between meals
- Eat nutritious, well-balanced meals
- See your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings
- Consider fluoride treatments.
- Use dental sealants to protect the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
Treatments Options For Cavities
If you develop a cavity, you should seek dental care right away to prevent further damage or complications. The recommended treatment for cavities will depend on how far the cavity has progressed. Less invasive treatments may be used during the early stages of cavities. Common treatment options for cavities may include: [6]
- Fluoride treatments
- Fillings
- Root canals
- Tooth extraction
After a thorough oral examination, your dentist can recommend the proper treatment for your specific condition.
Talk to Your Dentist About Your Oral Care
Although there are general guidelines for preventing cavities, every mouth is different. When you see your dentist regularly, they’ll get to know your specific circumstances, including the condition of your teeth. If you have braces ensure you are properly cleaning your teeth. They can provide you with individualized suggestions on how to take care of your oral health best.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Causes of Cavities
Do dental cavities go away?
No. Once a cavity has formed, the damage cannot be reversed. A dentist can treat the cavity in order to prevent further damage or tooth loss.
How can I stop a cavity from growing?
There are preventative measures you can use to prevent a cavity from developing, such as brushing twice per day, using fluoride toothpaste, and flossing. However, once a cavity has developed, a visit to the dentist is required to prevent further damage.
Are cavities contagious?
Cavities may not be contagious in the traditional sense, but the bacteria that cause cavities can be transmitted from person to person through saliva. [7] Activities like kissing, sharing drinks, or using the same toothbrush as someone else can spread this cavity-causing bacteria.
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[1] [2] [4] [6] Cavities (tooth decay): Symptoms, causes & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. (2025b, June 2). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10946-cavities
[3]U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Tooth decay. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay#symptoms
[5] Cavities. MouthHealthy. (n.d.). https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/cavities
[7] What’s A water flosser, and is it enough? University Health Center | Nebraska. (n.d.). https://health.unl.edu/news/are-cavities-contagious/