Taking good care of your teeth is an important part of maintaining overall health and well-being; this includes preventing cavities. A cavity is one of the most common results of tooth decay and can be a sign of poor oral health.
What is a tooth cavity?
Tooth decay is the loosening of your tooth enamel and refers to damage to the tooth structure caused by acids that are created when plaque bacteria break down sugar in your mouth. If this loss of mineral from the enamel is left untreated, a cavity or hole can eventually form in the tooth. These holes can grow larger over time and may even destroy the entire tooth. Plaque acids can also eat into the next layer of the tooth, the dentin, eventually causing what is known as a root cavity. As a result, the nerves in your teeth become exposed and you may feel pain when you eat or drink. If you feel pain near the root of your tooth, you may have some form of tooth decay and should see your dentist.
Causes of Cavities and Tooth Decay
– Loss of mineral teeth
– When foods containing carbohydrates become trapped between the teeth and are not removed by brushing
– Sticky foods, drinks and sugars. The more sugar you consume, the more acid is produced, which leads to cavities. Every time you eat a sugary snack, your teeth are exposed to damage from acids for the next twenty minutes. Therefore, you must pay close attention to the factors that cause cavities and cavities
– Poor oral hygiene: Brushing your teeth regularly does not allow plaque to form and attack tooth enamel. Plaque forms when bacteria, acid, food particles and saliva combine in your mouth. The acid in plaque attacks tooth enamel, causing gaps in the teeth
– Dry mouth: Saliva helps wash plaque off the teeth. If you have dry mouth with little saliva, plaque builds up more quickly
– Bacteria and acids: While many people do not like to think about it, bacteria naturally live in your mouth
– Problems Medical: Can contribute to dental cavities by causing acid from the stomach to back up into the mouth. Additionally, some cancer treatments that expose the head and neck to radiation can promote dental cavities by changing the composition of saliva to promote bacterial growth.
Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Decay and Cavities
As tooth decay progresses, symptoms of a cavity begin to appear. If you notice any of these symptoms, see your dentist immediately. The quickest and easiest treatment for a cavity is to follow up with your dentist for early detection of any decay:
- Toothache is the most common symptom of tooth decay.
- Pressure when biting down can indicate the presence of a cavity.
- Cavities: Symptoms of a cavity may include a noticeable hole in the affected tooth.
- Pus: One of the most obvious and serious symptoms of a cavity is pus around the tooth.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay and Cavities
As you may have learned from your dentist, prevention is the best way to avoid cavities. There are many steps you can take, and one of the most important things you can do is keep up with a comprehensive oral hygiene routine. While there are many options for oral health these days, here is a list of items you will need to make a habit and daily routine to prevent cavities. – Toothbrush: Everyone knows that we need to brush our teeth daily, but many of us do not choose it correctly. Look carefully to find a toothbrush that can reach all surfaces of your teeth and includes a firm tongue cleaner. – Toothpaste: This is a crucial component of your oral hygiene routine to prevent cavities. – Floss: Flossing is very important in removing food particles from your teeth. – Mouthwash: Mouthwash is often the final step in an effective daily oral hygiene routine. It not only makes you feel fresh, it also kills bacteria that can cause plaque and gingivitis.
Important tips to prevent tooth decay
- Brush after every snack is a golden rule for oral health
- Limit sugars and soft drinks
- Watch what you eat as foods that get stuck in your teeth like chips and
- cookies can worsen cavities
- Eat vegetables and fruits as they help remove plaque naturally
- Use products that contain fluoride
- See your doctor periodically for professional plaque removal
Cavities and tooth loss
While preventing cavities is ideal, don’t worry too much if you are diagnosed with a cavity. The key is to find it early and treat it quickly. While it’s best not to get it at all, cavities are very minor and the primary form of treatment is a filling. Fillings will stop the cavity from growing any larger.If the cavity is very large, it may lead to the tooth falling out, which necessitates the implantation of an artificial tooth as a replacement. If several teeth are decayed and there are many discolorations, it is preferable to perform a complete restoration by doing what is called a Hollywood smile, which is the grinding and crowning of the teeth with zirconium or E-max.