Health

Most common causes of cavities in the teeth — and how to prevent them

Published

9 months ago

May 31, 2025

Most common causes of cavities in the teeth — and how to prevent them

Cavities are incredibly common, affecting 90% of adults between the ages of 19 and 64 — but they are often preventable.

Also known as “dental caries,” cavities are damaged areas in the hard parts of the teeth caused by tooth decay, according to Mayo Clinic.

These areas become tiny openings or holes that can lead to toothaches, infections and even tooth loss.

How to know if you have a cavity

When a cavity is just starting, you may not have any symptoms at all. That’s why it’s important to be checked regularly at a dentist, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Even if your mouth feels fine, a professional may be able to pick up on smaller signals before the decay grows.

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Once the decay gets larger, there may be symptoms like toothaches, sharp pains when eating, visible holes in the teeth, staining on the surface of a tooth or pain when biting.

Cavities are holes in the teeth through which bacteria can enter. (iStock)

What causes a cavity?

Dental plaque forming in the mouth is what leads to tooth decay, the process that creates cavities.

Plaque forms when bacteria in the mouth mixes with “sugary or starchy food” like milk, juice, bread and pasta, according to Cleveland Clinic.

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If those sugars and starches are not removed from the teeth through healthy habits, like regular flossing and brushing after meals, bacteria begin feeding on them, the above source states.

The acids from bacteria strip away tooth enamel, leaving tiny openings that mark the beginning stages of a cavity. Bacteria and acid can enter through these holes and reach the vulnerable inner parts of the teeth, causing pain and more severe problems.

If you don’t clean sugars and starches off your teeth properly, bacteria begin feeding on them and wearing down the hard outer shell of the tooth. (iStock)

Fox News Digital previously spoke to Dr. Ricky Marshall about the impact of stomach acid and saliva production on dental health.

“The amount of acid coming up and contacting the teeth will absolutely contribute to increased tooth decay,” said Marshall, who is the owner of Stratland Dental in Glendale, Arizona, and a dentist at Wolff Family Dentistry & Orthodontics in Queen Creek, Arizona.

“A combination of dry mouth and increased stomach acid can be detrimental to teeth,” he said.

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Dry mouth, linked to causes like snoring and potentially certain medications, can increase the risk of tooth decay due to reduced saliva production.

“Your saliva clears away the acid and helps to repair the enamel,” the CDC states on its website. “If the repair isn’t fast enough, bacteria get inside your tooth and make cavities.”

Saliva helps clear away bacteria to keep plaque from forming, so it’s important to treat dry mouth symptoms when they appear, experts say. (iStock)

Ways to prevent cavities

Cleveland Clinic recommends brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled brush twice a day, and ideally after every meal.

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Experts also recommend cutting back on sugary, starchy foods and drinks. As mentioned above, these can mix with bacteria and promote the buildup of dental plaque.

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“You should visit your dentist every year, especially to find any cavities,” the CDC advises.

For small cavities, your dentist may recommend using fluoride or other products. Large cavities may require fillings or even root canals.

Khloe Quill is a lifestyle production assistant with Fox News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a range of story topics including food and drink, travel, and health.

Health

What’s healthier to drink: cold or hot water? Here’s what an expert says

Published

9 hours ago

March 7, 2026

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What’s healthier to drink: cold or hot water? Here’s what an expert says

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A viral wellness trend asks a simple question — is warm or cold water healthier? — but the science behind it is more nuanced.

Previous research shows that food and beverage temperature has a measurable effect on things like anxiety and gut discomfort.

One of the most long-standing health claims is that ice-cold water boosts calorie burn by forcing the body to heat it up. While this is grounded in science, the actual impact may be minimal.

Ultimately, experts say, the health impact of water temperature depends on the goal — weight loss, athletic performance, digestion or comfort.

Does cold water boost weight loss?

“As per research, in the 90 minutes after consuming cold or room temperature water, energy expenditure increases minimally by 2.9% (cold water) and 2.3% (room temperature),” Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian and diabetes expert in North Carolina, told Fox News Digital.

Extra water may suppress the appetite or may play a part in energy production and expenditure, experts say. (iStock)

While the body does expend energy to warm up cold water, Freirich noted that it’s “not significant enough to make it worthwhile” for weight loss. Hot water doesn’t exactly melt fat, however, she added.

For those looking to lose or manage weight, Freirich suggests focusing on “how much” rather than “how cold.” She pointed to research involving overweight women who added an extra 1.5 liters of water to their daily intake. Over eight weeks, the participants saw measurable weight loss.

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“The extra water may suppress the appetite or may play a part in energy production and expenditure,” Freirich said. The temperature of drinking water should not affect how well the body utilizes nutrients, she added, noting that more research is needed.

For those exercising in heat and humidity, the goal should be to rehydrate without excessive fluid loss through sweat. Research on thermoregulation suggests there is an ideal water temperature for athletes.

The temperature of drinking water should not affect how well the body utilizes nutrients, according to an expert. (iStock)

While drinking water can trigger sweating as the body regulates its temperature, 60.8 degrees Fahrenheit was associated with the least amount of perspiration.

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“Cool, but not cold,” Freirich emphasized. Drinking water in this specific range helps the body rehydrate efficiently without causing gastrointestinal distress.

Warm water and digestion

There are several reasons someone might opt for warm water, including its effect on relaxation and digestion. Studies have found that warmer liquids can accelerate gastric emptying, effectively waking up the gut.

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The benefits may be mental as well. Freirich points to research showing that hot black tea leads to lower levels of cortisol — the body’s primary stress hormone — and greater subjective relaxation after stressful tasks.

The preference for warm water often stems from its effect on the rest and digestion. Studies have found that warmer liquids can accelerate gastric emptying, effectively waking up the gut. (iStock)

Medical triggers

Freirich warns that very cold water can cause difficulty for those with swallowing disorders, or can trigger migraines and “brain freeze” in people with sensitive nerves.

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Furthermore, those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may find that ice-cold drinks trigger digestive discomfort.

Ultimately, the best temperature is the one that encourages people to drink, the dietitian said. The general recommendation for adults is to consume seven to eight glasses of water per day.

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“Most importantly, it is important for everyone to stay adequately hydrated,” Freirich said.

Khloe Quill is a lifestyle production assistant with Fox News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a range of story topics including food and drink, travel, and health.

Health

Alarming report reveals what’s driving deadly cancer surge in young adults

Published

21 hours ago

March 6, 2026

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Alarming report reveals what’s driving deadly cancer surge in young adults

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On the lookout

→ Brain aging may accelerate after cancer treatment

→ Ozempic-style drugs could slash complication risks after heart attacks

→ Aging process could accelerate due to ‘forever chemicals’ exposure

Weight-loss drugs may prevent deadly heart complications by opening blocked blood vessels after heart attacks, groundbreaking new research reveals. (iStock)

Conversation starters

→ Do collagen supplements really improve skin? Major review reveals the truth

→ ChatGPT could miss your serious medical emergency, study suggests

→ Diabetes surge could be driven by ‘healthy’ breakfasts, doctor warns

Medical advances

→ Diabetes breakthrough approach could protect cells and prevent disease

→ Decades-old seizure drug could have potential for Alzheimer’s prevention

Stat of the week

More than 59% of women are predicted to have high blood pressure by 2050.

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This article was written by Fox News staff.

Health

176 Lbs—Gone! Why One Woman’s Gentle Weight-Loss Tips Really Work

Published

1 day ago

March 6, 2026

Press Room

176 Lbs—Gone! Why One Woman’s Gentle Weight-Loss Tips Really Work

Cheri’s Gentle Weight-Loss Approach Helped Her Lose Big | Woman’s World

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