As an adult, you may believe that you are immune to getting cavities, as they are a problem that you believe only children who eat a lot of sugar have to contend with. However, adults are just as vulnerable to getting a cavity as children, if not more so, since tooth enamel tends to wear down with age. Along with the myth that adults cannot get cavities, you should be aware of a couple of more common myths about cavities that simply are not true.

1.  Cavities Are Only Caused By Eating Sugar

One myth you may believe about cavities may be the one that led you to believe that only children who eat sugary foods can get them. Especially if you do not eat a lot of desserts or candy, you may think that you are not at risk for the breakdown of enamel that leads to cavities.

However, residual sugar is not the only thing that can wear down your teeth and make openings in the enamel. Any foods that become stuck on your teeth will wear them down, especially when combined with the bacteria that the residue attracts. This is why it is vital to brush your teeth several times a day so that the residue and the bacteria are cleaned away, before they create too much damage.

2.  Cavities Are Always Painful and Easy to Detect

Another myth that you may believe about having cavities as an adult is that they are always painful. Because of this idea, you may feel that they are easy to detect and that, therefore, you will know when you have one, and will then get it examined and filled by your dentist.

However, when you get a cavity, you will most likely not even know it is there. if you are feeling pain from a cavity, this means that the erosion of the enamel is so severe that the cavity has gone into the pulp. Instead of a simple filling, you may need to have a root canal or tooth extraction, depending on the extent of the damage to the tooth. In extreme cases, you may have to resort to an implant.

Even if you take care of your teeth meticulously, you can still end up with a cavity or two, from time to time. Because you will not be able to easily tell that you have one, it is imperative that you visit a dentist once or twice a year to have your teeth cleaned and examined for any problems, including cavities.