In the United States, about one in four adults has untreated cavities. Sadly, many people have no idea that they have a tooth cavity until their symptoms become severe, such as sensitivity or pain while eating. And at this point, it requires a filling or a root canal to treat.
But what are cavities? And what practical steps can you take to prevent them? This post will reveal the answers to those questions, so keep reading to find out what they are!
What Are Cavities?
Cavities are holes that form in teeth due to decay. Typically, cavities form in these stages:
- Natural bacteria in your mouth feed on carbohydrates and turn them into acids.
- Bacteria mixes with acid and saliva, creating plaque on the teeth
- Plaque begins to dissolve tooth enamel and eat away the teeth without proper brushing and flossing
At first, cavities may look like a white spot, but eventually, they turn brown or black. Often, you can find them on the top of teeth or between them, where food gets stuck.
They can be small or large, but they’ll be quite painful if not treated quickly, no matter the size. That’s why it’s important to visit the dentist often to check for signs of decay.
How to Get Rid of Cavities
Cavity treatments vary depending on the severity of the decay, but the most common option is a filling. This procedure involves removing the decayed part of the tooth and filling in the hole with composite resin or a similar material. This process stops the decay and preserves the tooth.
However, dentists may opt for fluoride treatments in mild cases. And if decay is severe, root canals or extractions are the only options.
How to Prevent Cavities
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to prevent cavities and take charge of your oral health. For example, you can establish good dental hygiene, including:
- Brushing twice a day
- Floss every day
- Visit your dental clinic every six months
You can also prevent cavities by avoiding foods and drinks with a lot of sugar, especially between meals. Yet, if you consume them often, be sure to brush your teeth when you’re finished.
Additional steps that keep cavities at bay include drinking water with fluoride and having sealants placed behind the teeth to prevent them from cavity-causing bacteria.
Of course, if you have kids, you should ask your dentist how to teach kids to protect their teeth and prevent cavities since children with a lot of tooth decay are more likely to struggle with dental health as adults.
Don’t Wait to Treat and Prevent Cavities!
So, what are cavities? After reading this post, you better understand how they form due to tooth decay. But, more importantly, you’re ready to take the steps outlined in this post to prevent them!
If you’d like to improve the appearance and health of your teeth, don’t forget to check out more of our dental-related content!
