Dental Cavities – Causes, Signs & Tips To Prevent The Problem

Dental cavities are holes in teeth that form due to tooth decay. Toothache is one of the symptoms they might induce. Cavities can deepen over time and cause other issues if they are not treated. The best method to avoid them is to maintain adequate dental hygiene. Tooth decay is caused by the accumulation of dental plaque in the mouth. This can cause long-term damage to the tooth structure. The harm may be irreversible. Tooth cavities are holes that form on the tooth as a result of this process. 

DenFillings, for example, is one of the dental treatments offered. As mentioned before, the most efficient technique to cure tooth cavities is to avoid them in the first place. This is feasible if the mouth and teeth are kept clean. It will also aid in avoiding specific foods, such as sugary food items. Too many of these foods can contribute to plaque buildup, leading to tooth decay. Cavities do not usually cause symptoms; thus, it is critical to see a dentist frequently.

In this blog, we will discuss various topics related to dental cavities in detail. So, why wait anymore? Go through the sections below. 

What Are The Causes Of Dental Cavities?

Many bacteria live in the mouth, some of which can be harmful. They form a thin, colorless coating over the top of the teeth. This coating or layer is known as plaque.

Plaque is a substance that can accumulate over time. This could happen if a person consumes food items rich in sugar and starch regularly.

Tooth enamel can be harmed by repeated exposure to the acid from the plaque. Enamel is the tooth’s outermost layer of protection. Enamel minerals are depleted as a result of tooth decay.

While the enamel can repair some of the damage, deterioration can lead to dental cavities in the long run. This happens when the enamel is permanently damaged, causing holes to appear on the tooth’s surface.

This type of deterioration can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in children.

Know The Symptoms Of Dental Cavities

The hole itself, which can vary in size, is the most common sign of a tooth cavity. Dental cavities can develop without causing any other signs or symptoms. Other symptoms that may appear in some circumstances include:

• Formation of spots on the teeth that are white, gray, brown, or black
• Tooth pain
• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Halitosis or bad breath

Bacteria can spread to softer tissues inside the tooth if not treated. This can hasten tooth deterioration and aggravate toothaches. Infections can potentially occur as a result of this.

How To Prevent Dental Cavities?

Just like other common dental problems, dental cavities can be prevented by adopting a few preventive measures. The best dentists in Street Olds have provided you with the tips in the pointers below:

• Using fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouthwashes
• Using a circular motion to brush your teeth twice a day
• Be gentle while brushing your gums
• Flossing or utilizing interdental cleaners in the gap between teeth
• Avoiding high-sugar foods and beverages, such as carbonated drinks, especially those with no nutritional value
• Restricting the consumption of starchy food items
• Prevent snacking in between meals or just before bedtime
• It is recommended that you do not smoke or even not use other tobacco products
• Limit the intake of alcoholic beverages
• Go for regular dental checkups at a reliable dental office

Tooth decay can also be reversed in its very early stages. By restoring lost minerals from saliva or fluoride, tooth enamel can repair minor damage on its own.

Fluoride is a mineral that has the ability to reverse tooth decay. Fluoride gel or other fluoride preparations may be prescribed by a dentist to coat the teeth. Fluoride treatments can help to improve enamel and protect teeth from plaque deterioration. These fluoride treatments, along with making dietary modifications, can help the teeth repair any slight damage caused by dental decay.

Since tooth cavities are more common in youngsters, caregivers should examine for early signs of tooth decay on a regular basis. This includes examining the teeth for white, gray, brown, or black marks. These are symptoms of tooth decay-related mineral loss.

Final Words

We hope that you now have a clear understanding of dental cavities. Prevent such problems and ensure the well-being of your oral health. Contact West Olds Dental if you have any further queries. Give us a call today!