Cavities After Halloween? What You Should Know About Tooth Decay and Prevention

Nearly 90% of adults have experienced a cavity, and factors such as dry mouth, snoring and teeth grinding can increase the risk beyond sugar alone.

The Halloween candy may be gone, but many people are still reaching for leftover treats — and wondering whether they could lead to dental problems.

The most common cause of a toothache is tooth decay that creates a cavity on the tooth’s surface. And sugar is only one part of the story.

So while you enjoy those spooky sweets, here’s a closer look at cavities: what causes them and how to help prevent them.

What Are Cavities and What Do They Look Like?

Cavities, also called dental caries, are areas where a tooth breaks down or erodes, leaving a hole or indentation. Their presence means bacteria have made their way into the tooth, Dr. Corbin Popp, a dentist at Colorado BioDental + Esthetics in Littleton, Colorado, previously told USA TODAY. Those bacteria live in plaque, the sticky, colorless film that collects on teeth.

In the early stages, cavities can be difficult to detect. As they worsen, holes may become visible on the tooth’s surface. Some develop between teeth or below the gumline, where they are harder to see, which is why dentists often use X-rays or a probe during an exam.

Along with a visible hole, signs of a cavity can include aching or general discomfort, tooth sensitivity, pain when biting, brown, black or white spots on a tooth, or mild to severe pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold, Dr. Erinne Kennedy, a dentist and former consumer adviser spokesperson for the American Dental Association, previously told USA TODAY.

Once a cavity is found, Popp said a dentist can remove plaque and decay, fill the opening with composite material and then shape and polish the tooth so it looks normal again.

What Causes Cavities in Teeth?

Cavities are typically caused by bacteria, sugar and acidic foods that combine to form plaque or stick to plaque that is already there. Kennedy explained that the plaque’s sticky texture keeps acids against the teeth for long periods of time. Over time, that weakens the tooth surface until a cavity forms. This erosion begins in the enamel, the hard outer layer of the tooth, she added.

Snoring and dry mouth can also raise the risk because both may signal reduced saliva production. That matters because saliva contains lysozyme, an enzyme that helps stop plaque from growing. When the mouth is very dry, there is less of that natural protection against bacteria that contribute to cavities.

Genes can play a role as well, since some people naturally have weaker enamel than others. Teeth grinding can also increase the risk by wearing away protective enamel that would otherwise help guard against decay.

Whatever the cause, cavities are common. The U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research says nearly 90% of adults have had cavities. Kennedy has also said tooth decay is the most common chronic disease worldwide.

How Are Cavities Prevented?

Preventing cavities largely means cutting back on sugar and acidic foods that help plaque build up, while also cleaning teeth thoroughly and often to stop bacteria from taking hold.

Along with reducing candy and sugary drinks, “good sleep and good habits can promote good oral flora and good pH,” Popp said. Sleeping with your mouth closed or treating conditions that cause snoring, such as sleep apnea, can help. Rinsing with water after eating or drinking may also support saliva production, especially after sugary foods or drinks.

The most important part of oral care is keeping teeth clean and limiting bacteria on the tongue. “You can practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner and replacing your toothbrush every three or four months,” Kennedy said. Brushing the tongue and using antibacterial mouthwash can also help. “And don’t forget to schedule regular dental check-ups to keep your smile healthy,” Kennedy added.