LiveHealthy Dental

Here Is Everything You Need To Know About Cavities

Nowadays, cavities are one of the most common dental problems. They are mostly caused by sugar and bacteria in your mouth. If you want to know more about this subject, read on! A cavity is where the tooth enamel has been lost due to decay or other factors such as trauma from biting down too hard on something hard like ice or other food items that can cause teeth chipping. The word "cavity" actually means empty space or hole in Latin.

Cavities form when the minerals in your saliva have washed away all the protective enamel coating over your teeth, leaving them vulnerable to tooth decay which happens when acids created by plaque buildup around the teeth and react with sugars in your mouth. Cavities are mostly caused by an imbalance of acid-producing bacteria on the teeth, which eats away at the enamel, creating cavities over time. Sugar is one of the main causes that cause tooth decay (bacteria feeds on it and then produces harmful acids) and some types of food like dried fruits, cakes, sugary cereal, and many other sweet treats.

Failure to clean between your teeth can also contribute to cavities since they provide another source of sugar for plaque to feed on, which leads to decay (food gets stuck in there). Brushing with fluoride toothpaste after each meal helps reduce any possible damage by the bacteria found in the mouth. The most common symptoms of cavities are toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks, pain when biting down on something, a bad taste in your mouth and red and swollen gums. To find more information please go to LiveHealthy.

However, not everyone experiences all of these symptoms and some people may only have one or two. If you are experiencing any of these problems, it's best to visit your dentist as soon as possible. The treatment for cavities will depend on their size and location. Small cavities can often be treated with a filling made from composite resin (a type of plastic), which is matched to the color of your teeth. If the cavity is too large or the tooth has already been damaged, a crown (a cap covering the entire tooth) may be needed.

More severe cases of decay may require a root canal treatment or even extraction. The best way to prevent cavities is by keeping your teeth clean by brushing and flossing regularly (at least twice a day), avoiding sugary snacks and drinks, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups. Fluoride toothpaste also helps to protect against tooth decay by strengthening the enamel on your teeth. If you are at high risk of developing cavities, your dentist may recommend using a fluoride mouthwash or applying fluoride gel directly to your teeth.

If you're not sure what's causing your tooth decay, try using a disclosing solution once or twice a week. It changes the color of the plaque to indicate areas that need attention, and brushing more thoroughly there can help remove it. If you are on the hunt for the best dental clinic to treat your cavities, then make sure to ask for recommendation and research well before making random appointments.