Untreated tooth decay remains a significant health problem each year. Although fluoridated drinking water has helped lower the numbers, dental cavities continue to affect many children and adults in America and worldwide. Learning how to prevent tooth decay and cavities can help save you money, time in the dental chair, and your beautiful smile. Schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry today!
What is a Dental Cavity?
A dental cavity is the permanent damage of a tooth’s outer layer of enamel. Although enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, the acids produced by dental plaque can destroy it. Plaque is a sticky film that constantly forms on teeth and stays until you clean it off with brushing and flossing. Because plaque is sticky, the acids contact enamel and create a hole known as a dental cavity.
Most cavities in childhood and early adulthood damage tooth enamel. However, gum recession that occurs with aging exposes the surface of roots known as cementum. Cementum is much softer than enamel, and tooth decay can cause considerable damage in a short amount of time if not treated quickly.
What Are the Symptoms of Tooth Decay and Cavities?
Cavities begin with a tiny hole that typically causes no symptoms. However, as the decay gets deeper into the hard tooth structures, it can cause symptoms such as:
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Hot, cold, and sweet sensitivity. This can begin with a slight pain that goes away quickly. As the cavity gets deeper, this pain can become so severe that you can’t tolerate hot or cold foods and drinks.
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Pain when biting. As the cavity destroys the strength of a tooth’s enamel, the tooth can weaken and become painful when you bite or chew food.
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Throbbing toothache. Once tooth decay approaches the nerve of the tooth, it can cause pain that wakes you up at night and disrupts your daily routine.
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Discolored tooth. Cavities can cause white, brown, or black spots on teeth.
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Visible holes. The enamel can eventually break and leave a visible hole in your tooth.
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Bad breath and taste. The bacteria that cause cavities can also contribute to halitosis and a bad taste in your mouth.
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Swollen gums. Severe tooth decay can cause a dental infection which creates swollen gums.
How Can I Prevent Tooth Decay and Cavities?
Just like other diseases, you benefit from prevention rather than treatment. Steps you can take to prevent tooth decay include:
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Tooth brushing
You can thoroughly remove plaque from each tooth’s top, front, and back with proper tooth brushing. You should brush for two minutes twice daily. You have many excellent choices, whether you prefer a manual or electric toothbrush. Always use a soft-bristled brush and a gentle circular motion. The American Dental Association recommends brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste.
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Flossing
Since you can only clean three of the five surfaces of each tooth with brushing, you need to floss between your teeth at least once daily. You can supplement traditional floss with water flossers and interdental flossing. Flossing is essential to prevent cavities from forming on the sides of your teeth.
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Hydration
Saliva helps fight the effects of plaque by washing it from your teeth and buffering the acids to prevent damage to the enamel. Talk with Trident General Dentistry if you think you may have a dry mouth due to a medical condition or a medication you take.
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Diet
A healthy diet helps prevent serious medical conditions and tooth decay. The major causes of tooth decay involve consuming high sugar foods and drinks. Eating a low-sugar diet of adequate fruits and vegetables can help keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.
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Regular dental checkups and professional cleaning
Regular dental exams can detect dental caries in the initial stages, which helps prevent more extensive and costly treatment when a cavity gets larger. In addition, professional teeth cleaning removes plaque from all surfaces of your teeth and may include fluoride treatments when needed.
What Are the Complications of Tooth Decay?
Recent studies have linked oral health to serious medical conditions such as heart disease. In addition to affecting your overall health, tooth decay can cause complications such as:
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An abscessed tooth that requires a root canal treatment and a dental crown to save the tooth.
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Tooth extraction due to extensive decay that makes saving the tooth impossible.
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Pain and swelling that may need antibiotics and drainage of infected tissue.
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Loss of time from work or school due to pain and infection.
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Shifting of teeth when the sides of adjacent teeth get severely damaged from cavities.
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Damage to your usual smile as teeth discolor and chip due to decay.
Book an Appointment
Schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry today to help prevent tooth decay and maintain healthy teeth and gums for a beautiful smile.