Growing up, you probably learned early that you need to brush your teeth twice a day or you’ll get cavities. What few people know is that failing to have good dental hygiene can actually cause other health problems for your body as well. Recent studies have shown that unresolved oral health issues can lead to but what exactly is a cavity?

“Hole” and “cavity” mean the exact same thing. When the dentist tells you that you have a cavity, they are saying you have a hole in your tooth. Cavities can be caused by the acid found in plaque. When this plaque isn’t brushed away, it has more time to eat away at the tooth.

Fortunately, a cavity can be stopped. Dentists can place a crown over the tooth so the cavity doesn’t spread, or they can simply remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill it back in.