What’s a Cavity?

Chances are you’ve been hearing about cavities for years. Probably your mom used them as a motivator to get you to brush your teeth—and for good reason. According to the CDC, 91 percent of adults aged 20–64 have had at least one filled. At our Anchorage dental office, we see them all the time, since most people encounter cavities at some point in their lives. Even though they’re common, cavities are more complex than the old “too much sugar and soda” story we grew up hearing. In reality, they’re far more interesting—and preventable—than you might think.

What Many Misunderstand

Most patients fundamentally misunderstand what a cavity is and what causes it. At its most basic, a cavity is a hole in the outside layer of your tooth, otherwise known as enamel. If a cavity advances far enough, it can break through the dentin and into the pulp layer, putting the entire tooth at risk and often requiring treatment such as a root canal.

Toothpaste commercials, our parents, and maybe even our childhood dentists have been saying it for years: sugar rots our teeth. The truth, however, is more complicated. Cavities are closer to an infection than simple sugar damage. While sugar plays a role in tooth decay and other oral complications like gum disease, it’s actually the naturally occurring mouth bacteria that drive the process.

What Actually Causes Cavities

Ultimately, cavities are the result of dysbiosis—a biological term meaning a microbial imbalance inside the body. Our mouths carry between six and eight billion bacteria that help predigest food, fight off infection, and aid in healing. Normally, these bacteria coexist peacefully. The problem arises when a certain strain, such as Streptococcus mutans, becomes dominant because of easy access to sugars and poor oral hygiene.

When we eat sugary foods and neglect brushing, these bacteria multiply rapidly and produce acidic byproducts that erode enamel. As tiny holes form, they cluster around the damaged areas, accelerating decay and deepening the cavity.

Local Factors That Influence Oral Health

Anchorage’s unique environment can influence dental health more than most people realize. Cold, dry winters often lead to dry mouth, reducing the protective saliva that neutralizes acid and helps remineralize enamel. Limited winter sunlight can also mean lower vitamin D levels, which are important for strong teeth and bones. Staying hydrated, using a humidifier indoors, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can help offset these local challenges.

Preventative Measures Against Cavities

Understanding what causes cavities is crucial, but prevention is where you take control. Maintaining a balanced diet low in sugary snacks and acidic beverages reduces the risk of decay. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash help control harmful bacteria and protect enamel.

Your dentist may also recommend dental sealants, a thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. These sealants block food and bacteria from getting trapped in grooves, making them an especially smart choice for children or anyone prone to cavities.

The Role of Professional Dental Care

While daily care is essential, professional dental visits provide another layer of defense. Routine checkups and cleanings allow your dentist to detect early signs of decay before they become major issues. Professional cleanings also remove hardened plaque (tartar) that brushing alone can’t.

For Anchorage residents, these visits are especially valuable. Because local diets often include coffee and cold-weather comfort foods that can increase acid exposure, regular cleanings help maintain balance and prevent discoloration. Your Anchorage dentist can also provide personalized recommendations—like fluoride treatments or dietary adjustments—to help you keep your smile strong through every season.

How to Stop Cavities

Cavities don’t appear overnight. It takes a specific combination of bacteria, diet, and oral hygiene habits to create the imbalance that leads to decay. Depending on factors such as enamel thickness and home care, a cavity can take three to six months to develop.

The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist every six months for exams and cleanings to detect early changes and remove plaque buildup. Consistent home care—brushing twice daily and flossing after meals—greatly reduces your risk of developing cavities or gum disease.

If it’s been a while since your last visit, now is the perfect time to get back on track. Regular care today means fewer surprises tomorrow.