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There can be a number of potential causes for dental cavities forming in teeth. Neglecting to brush and floss properly is a common one. What fewer people are aware of is the fact that having a persistently dry mouth can also be a contributing factor. This condition is called xerostomia and, aside from being uncomfortable for the patient, it should be dealt with in order to avoid decay to the teeth.
Xerostomia is common in adults who smoke and drink alcohol to excess, as well as some people who have poor general health. What it amounts to is reduced saliva production. Saliva is a vital natural protection against plaque. If plaque is left to flourish in the mouth it will begin to compromise the structural integrity of teeth and they will start to decay; having plenty of saliva in the mouth helps to stop this. Brushing teeth needs to happen as well of course, but having plenty of saliva is important.
You can increase the production of saliva by keeping your mouth moist. This can be achieved by sipping water and chewing gum. Drinking alcohol can be accompanied by drinking water too to ensure that saliva production is not too stymied. Think about your habits, like smoking and see if you can quit it so that your mouth gets healthier.
Dental cavities can be a real pain because do not naturally grow back if there is a hole that has formed. They will be need to be filled by your dentist and you will have to have that filling for the rest of your life. Xerostomia is also a prime cause of bad breath because a dry mouth is ideal conditions for the bad breath bacteria to survive in.