Cavities are one of the most common issues when it comes to oral health. These tiny holes that form in teeth have many causes. If untreated, cavities can grow and cause serious issues like infection and tooth loss.
Thankfully, modern dentistry has come a long way. There are many ways to prevent cavities or treat cavities that have already formed.
Cavities are permanently damaged areas in teeth which develop into small holes. Produced by advanced tooth decay, they destroy tooth structure and weaken the tooth.
Our mouths are full of bacteria. Those bacteria feed on carbohydrates, or foods containing sugars and starches. The bacteria produce acid as a byproduct of digestion. When these carbohydrates are left on the teeth, the bacteria are able to flourish and colonize. The acid grows and eventually dissolves the tooth enamel, creating holes called cavities.
Early symptoms of a cavity can be mild to moderate, but some do not experience any symptoms at all. Be sure to always make time for your six-month cleaning and exam to spot any problem areas before they escalate. Know that cavities can also happen between teeth and may not be visible to the untrained eye.
Preventing tooth decay begins with an excellent oral health routine, as well as taking care of your overall health.
Rinsing with water after meals can wash away food particles from teeth. After you eat, swish with water for a few seconds to rinse and dislodge any food that might be stuck between teeth.
Brush once when you wake up and again before bedtime with a fluoride toothpaste (two minutes each session). Before your bedtime brushing, floss between all your teeth to clear away stubborn particles.
Try as we might, we cannot keep our teeth as clean as a dentist can. Keeping up with professional cleanings and exams every six months can prevent cavities and ensure great oral health in the long run.
Avoid consuming sugary foods and beverages. Steer clear of pastries and soda. Instead, try eating nutritious foods rich in Vitamin C, potassium and calcium to support healthy teeth.
Despite our best efforts, cavities can still appear. The best course of action when you suspect a cavity is to make an appointment with your dentist right away.
Catching a cavity early is crucial in saving your tooth, as untreated cavities can lead to infection and tooth loss. Advanced infections may need root canal therapy.
A viable option for repairing tooth decay, fillings are a straightforward procedure. A cavity filling is when the dentist cleans and fills the hole to relieve pain and restore the appearance of the tooth. Fillings can be made up of materials like amalgams (metallic ingredients), composites (plastic) or ceramics. Amalgams are the cheapest and most used option.
Your dentist will be able to identify the extent of the cavity through X-ray imaging. In order to make sure you are comfortable during the procedure, the dentist will likely apply local anesthesia to numb the area.
The dentist will then use tools to scrape off decay from the cavity. A dental drill is sometimes used for cases of advanced decay.
After the cavity is cleaned and prepped, the dentist will fill the cavity with material to seal the hole. Minor buffing and polishing is the final step to make the surface look more natural.
Request an appointment here: https://www.mytotaldentistry.com or call McCarthy Dentistry at (740) 546-5178 for an appointment in our Marietta office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
While dental crowns help protect and restore damaged teeth, they can become loose over time. Knowing what to do when this happens can help prevent pain or further damage. A loose crown may feel strange, affect chewing, or even fall out. However, acting quickly and visiting a general dentist can help fix the problem before…
A cosmetic dentist focuses on improving the smile's appearance while maintaining or enhancing oral function. Patients often seek treatment for issues such as discolored, chipped, misaligned, or unevenly spaced teeth. If someone is unhappy with the way their teeth look or wants to enhance facial aesthetics, a cosmetic dentist may be able to help. Understanding…
Knowing you have an emergency dentist ready to help with your dental crisis is something to be thankful for. It is ideal to have at least one reachable at all hours of the day. Some practices operate even during holidays. The key is to anticipate and research ahead. Here is how to find an emergency…
Aging affects every part of the body, including the look and health of the teeth. A cosmetic dentist can address the common dental challenges that come with aging teeth and gums. As people get older, their teeth may become discolored, worn, chipped, or misaligned. Gums can recede, become sensitive, or show signs of disease. Cosmetic…
While dental crowns help protect and restore damaged teeth, they can become loose over time. Knowing what to do when this happens can help prevent pain or further damage. A loose crown may feel strange, affect chewing, or even fall out. However, acting quickly and visiting a general dentist can help fix the problem before…
A cosmetic dentist focuses on improving the smile's appearance while maintaining or enhancing oral function. Patients often seek treatment for issues such as discolored, chipped, misaligned, or unevenly spaced teeth. If someone is unhappy with the way their teeth look or wants to enhance facial aesthetics, a cosmetic dentist may be able to help. Understanding…