When you go to the dentist for cleanings, there are a few things you may hear them talk about. Sometimes, they may discuss your need to floss thoroughly, brushing techniques, and potential concerns like plaque buildup, gum health, or early signs of a cavity. While cavities are one of the most common dental problems, you may not fully understand what they are and how they form.
The first step in addressing this tooth decay is understanding what you’re dealing with, how to treat it, and what can be done to prevent its formation. If your dentist has recently found a cavity in one of your teeth and you want to ensure thorough treatment, keep reading to learn more about this common oral health problem.
What are Cavities?
Cavities, sometimes referred to as dental caries or tooth decay, are damaged portions of your teeth. This decay turns into tiny openings or holes across the surface of your tooth. When the bacteria in your mouth produce acids, it erodes your tooth enamel. If this tooth decay is left untreated, your cavities can progress deeper into your tooth.
With this progression, you may experience increased pain, infection, and the potential for tooth loss. While this may seem daunting, this decay is one of the most common oral conditions your dentist treats. With their experience, you can trust that they’ll quickly and efficiently treat this and restore your comfort.
What Causes a Cavity?
There are several reasons why you may be experiencing a cavity. Some of the most common causes of this decay include:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: One of the most common reasons you may experience tooth decay is a lack of proper oral hygiene. Whether you aren’t brushing properly or flossing infrequently, plaque can build up along your gumline, increasing your risk of decay.
- Sugary and Acidic Food: While you may love acidic or sugary foods, the bacteria in your mouth love them even more. These foods increase bacterial growth, weakening your enamel as this continues to spread.
- Bacteria and Plaque: Bacteria are a natural part of your mouth’s chemistry. However, as it produces acid to break down food particles, you may deal with increased enamel erosion and potential decay.
- Dry Mouth: This condition, also known as xerostomia, reduces the amount of saliva in your mouth. Your saliva rinses away lingering food particles and protects against acids. With a dry mouth, your risk of cavities increases.
- Tooth Grinding: Constant tooth grinding or jaw clenching can wear down your enamel. As your enamel wears down, this makes your teeth more susceptible to developing decay.
Signs and Symptoms of a Cavity
You may not notice any signs that you’ve developed a cavity in its earliest stages. However, as it progresses, there are a few common symptoms, including:
- Increased sensitivity when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and beverages.
- Visible holes or pits in your teeth.
- Pain or increased discomfort while chewing.
- Brown, black, or white staining on your teeth.
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
How Dentists Treat a Cavity
If you believe you’re experiencing a cavity, it is essential that you reach out to a trusted dental team as soon as possible. Foregoing treatment can have a devastating impact on your oral health. If your dentist does find cavities, there are a few treatment options they may employ, including:
- Fluoride Treatments: If your dentist catches your cavity in its earliest stage, a fluoride treatment may be sufficient to reverse the damage.
- Fillings: For moderate cavities, your dentist removes the damaged portion of your tooth and fills it with a composite, amalgam, or porcelain filling.
- Crowns: For more severe decay, your dentist will remove the decay and place a crown on top to restore the function and appearance of your tooth.
- Root Canals: A root canal may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and protect the tooth if the decay has advanced to your dental pulp.
- Extraction: While this is a last resort, your dentist may need to extract the tooth if it is beyond repair.
Comprehensive Ways to Prevent a Cavity
Once you’ve treated your cavities, you’ll want to do everything possible to avoid dealing with this decay again. There are a few things you can do to prevent them from developing. The easiest way to avoid this is by brushing and flossing regularly. Remember to brush twice daily for two minutes, and floss at least once daily to remove plaque and bacteria buildup.
You should also reduce sugar consumption and incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Foods rich in calcium and phosphorus, including leafy greens and broccoli, can strengthen your enamel. Also, drink plenty of water, as it can help you wash away harmful bacteria that may otherwise build up.
Finally, don’t forget to schedule routine checkups and cleanings. During these appointments, your dentist can catch the earliest signs of cavities and treat them before they become more severe. They may also recommend dental sealants and advanced fluoride treatments to add an extra layer of protection.
Reliable Care for Tooth Decay in Mills River, NC
Dealing with a cavity can be distressing, but when you have a reliable dental team behind you, the recovery process becomes much easier. If you’re looking for a trustworthy dental team in the Mills River, NC, area, turn to our team at Mills River Family Dental. For years, we’ve provided comprehensive care to patients across the city.
Whether you’re treating cavities, investing in cosmetic dentistry, or considering orthodontic treatment, we do it all. With our team on your side, you can trust that you can achieve your healthiest smile ever. For patients without dental insurance, we offer in-office dental plans to ensure you continue to receive essential dental care, like cleanings and fluoride treatments.
If you’d like to learn more about our services or seek treatment for cavities, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Follow Us