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| Welcome to our 3-day series on preventing cavities! Today, we’ll learn what cavities are, how they form, and what warning signs to watch for. |
| What are cavities? |
| Cavities are small holes that form in your teeth when decay damages the hard outer layer. They’re very common — half of all children ages 6 to 9 years have had at least one cavity, and 1 in 5 adults has an untreated cavity right now. Nearly 96% of adults over age 65 have had cavities in their lifetime.
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| You have a higher chance of getting cavities if you:
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eat or drink sugary things often |
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don’t brush regularly with fluoride toothpaste |
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don’t have regular access to dental care |
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take medications that reduce saliva flow |
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| How cavities form |
| Think of your mouth as an ongoing battle between two teams:
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