Poor Cleaning Habits Fuel Cavities and Bad Breath – Dental Surgeon
By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh
Dental Surgeon, Dr. Ama Amaning-Darko, has explained the processes behind cavities and bad breath, stressing the need for proper oral hygiene. Speaking on Zed Wellness Link on Zed 101.9FM, Dr. Darko said tooth decay is caused by a combination of factors including diet, oral cleaning habits, and bacteria naturally present in the mouth.
She noted that when food remains in the mouth for too long, bacteria feed on it and release acidic byproducts which gradually break down the tooth structure. This, she explained, is why people often attribute cavities to bacteria.
However, she added that it is the acids produced by the bacteria after feeding on food particles that actually weaken the tooth. Poor cleaning habits, therefore, give bacteria more time to act and increase the risk of cavities.
Dr. Amaning-Darko further explained that plaque, which appears as a whitish film on the teeth especially in the morning, is a mixture of food debris, bacteria and their byproducts. When not removed within a day or two, the minerals in saliva cause it to harden into calculus, creating a stronger base for bacteria to thrive and accelerate tooth decay.
On the subject of bad breath, also known as halitosis, Dr. Amaning-Darko pointed out that the condition can have different dimensions. In some cases, it is genuine and results from oral issues such as plaque, cavities or gum infections. In others, people may think they still have bad breath even after treatment, or may live in constant fear of developing it, leading them to go to unnecessary extremes.
She said that while many cases of bad breath originate in the mouth, the causes can also extend beyond it. Throat infections, inflamed sinuses, and other conditions in the respiratory system can contribute to the problem. In more severe cases, systemic health issues such as liver disease, kidney failure or diabetes may also produce distinctive odors on the breath.
The surgeon emphasized that regular brushing, flossing and routine dental visits remain the most effective way to prevent cavities and maintain fresh breath.
