Cavities are a very common dental issue. In fact, a study from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research revealed that 90% of Amercians aged between 20 and to 64, have had a cavity. A cavity occurs when dental decay weakens the tooth’s enamel, to the point that a small hole or opening forms on the surface of the tooth. Don't let cavities compromise your oral health—visit Affordable Dentures & Implants for expert care and restore your smile today.
What Does A Cavity Look Like?
A cavity often starts as a small, dark spot on your tooth. It can look like a hole or pit as it gets worse. You may notice discoloration ranging from white to brown or black. Sometimes, you might be able to see it in the mirror, but your dentist often spots it first. Treating cavities early prevents further damage and discomfort. It's just one of the many reasons why regular check-ups with our general dentistry services are essential for keeping your smile healthy and bright.
The first stage of the development of cavities begins when plaque builds up. This sticky film can start to develop on the surface of your teeth just a few hours after brushing. Bacteria in plaque produce acidic substances that wear down your enamel, breaking down the minerals that protect your teeth. This ‘demineralization’ process can cause white spots to appear on your teeth –an early sign of tooth decay. As bacteria and acid in the plaque break through the enamel, they will begin to affect the softer layers inside your tooth, eventually reaching the pulp, which is a delicate inner layer, full of nerves and blood vessels. It's important to remember that oral health affects overall health, making it crucial to address tooth decay early on.
How To Check For Cavities At Home
While it's crucial to get a proper diagnosis from a dental professional, you can keep an eye out for early signs of cavities at home. Catching these symptoms early can help you seek treatment before the problem worsens. To make it easier, we offer a free consult and X-rays to ensure you get the care you need as soon as possible.
5 Symptoms to Watch For
1. Dark Spots or Holes
Examine your teeth in the mirror for any visible dark spots, pits, or small holes. These are common signs of tooth decay.
2. Rough or Uneven Areas
Run your tongue over your teeth to feel for rough or uneven surfaces. These can indicate the early stages of a cavity.
3. Sensitivity to Hot, Cold, or Sweet Foods
Pay attention to any sensitivity when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods - a developing cavity can make your teeth feel more sensitive.
4. Tooth Pain
Persistent tooth pain, especially when biting down, can be a strong indicator that a cavity is forming or has already formed.
5. Swollen or Bleeding Gums
Swollen or bleeding gums, particularly around a specific tooth, could be a sign of advanced tooth decay or infection. These symptoms can also be an early warning sign of gingivitis. It's crucial to address them promptly, and exploring options for gingivitis treatment at home can help manage and prevent gum issues before they worsen.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule a visit with your dentist to ensure your teeth stay healthy and avoid further complications.
Dental Cavity Treatment Options
The best treatment for a cavity will be based on the extent of the dental decay.
Dental Filling
The most common treatment, is a filling. Your dentist will remove the decay and fill the hole with either dental amalgam - a mixture of metals - or white composite, which offers a more natural appearance.
Root Canal
If decay has made it possible for bacteria to reach the dental pulp, causing a deep cavity, root canal treatment is necessary to stop the infection spreading. The dentist drills into the tooth to remove the damaged pulp, and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned down to the roots. Then, the root canals and the tooth are filled to restore and protect the tooth. If you struggle with dental anxiety, you're not alone—many patients feel apprehensive about such procedures. Fortunately, sedation dentistry allows you to stay relaxed and comfortable throughout your treatment.
Extraction
Unfortunately, in some cases, the decay spreads too far to save the tooth, making extraction the best option. Fortunately, there are many options to replace a missing tooth, depending on your needs and preferences. Partial dentures, dental implants and dental bridges are all effective solutions. Dental bridges, for example, use crowns that sit over your natural teeth to support artificial teeth, closing any gaps. Don’t let missing teeth affect your confidence - schedule a consultation with your dentist to discuss your options.
Who Is At Extra Risk Of Cavities?
Some people are more at risk of cavities than others:
Pregnant Women
Some medical studies have linked pregnancy to an increased risk of tooth decay. Changes in hormone levels can lead to an increased chance of developing dry mouth, as well as altering the types of bacteria that naturally live within your mouth. This adds up to an increased risk of developing dental decay, which can lead to cavities. If you are expecting a baby, you might wish to schedule more frequent dental check ups to stay on top of your oral health.
People With Diabetes
Diabetes can increase the likelihood that you experience dry mouth, which reduces saliva —a natural defense against plaque. Additionally, people with diabetes might also have a higher level of sugar in their saliva, due to elevated blood sugar. Since bacteria that cause plaque feed on sugar, this puts people with diabetes at a higher risk of developing cavities.
Older Adults
Older adults are more prone to cavities. As teeth wear down and gums recede with age, the risk of decay increases. Many senior adults also take medications that reduce saliva, which helps protect against cavities. This makes good oral hygiene even more important as we age. If you've lost teeth due to advanced tooth decay from cavities, dentures can be the perfect solution to restore your smile.
Cavity Prevention
There are a few things you can do at home to help prevent cavities forming:
Oral Hygiene
Brushing your teeth twice a day as well as flossing every day are key to preventing plaque buildup. These habits help stop plaque developing into tartar, a hard layer that cannot be easily removed and can lead to cavities. To keep your smile healthy, stick to this routine and learn more about how often you should floss to maintain optimal oral hygiene.
Enamel Restoring Toothpastes
Most over-the-counter toothpastes contain enough fluoride to keep your teeth strong and healthy. However, there are also a number of other options that might be able to help you boost the mineralization of your dental enamel faster. For example, high fluoride toothpaste is available, as is hydroxyapatite toothpaste. Hydroxyapatite is a type of calcium, and some studies have suggested that it might be able to help rebuild enamel in very early stages of decay. Explore these options to give your smile the best care possible.
Frequent Dentist Visits
The best thing you can do to stop dental decay turning into cavities is to schedule regular check-ups with your dentist. They will be able to give your teeth a thorough clean using specialized tools, and techniques, and check those hard-to-reach areas where cavities might be forming. Cavities do not always hurt until they’ve already done significant damage to the tooth. Your dentist can catch them early and keep an eye on any teeth that could require extra care to prevent further decay. If tooth decay has led to tooth loss and you're seeking a more permanent option than removable dentures, mini dental implants provide a lasting solution with quick recovery.
Schedule An Appointment
Whether you have a toothache, are at an increased risk of developing cavities, or are simply due for your regular check-up, schedule an appointment today with Affordable Dentures & Implants. Your local dental practice will carefully check your teeth for any signs of decay and schedule any necessary treatments to keep your smile healthy.