Cavities can lead to other health issues!
Poor oral hygiene can lead to infections and even cancer
Flossing, brushing after every meal and regular checkups can help prevent cavities!
Cavities are one of the most common health problems around the world. Untreated cavities can lead to other health issues, not typically associated with oral care. From abscesses to oral cancers, the implications of not dealing with dental cavities left untreated can lead to extreme pain and other serious health complications!
Before your appointment, it’s helpful to learn more about cavities, their causes, and how they are treated. Use the guide below to learn everything that you need to know.
What Is a Cavity?
Cavities are holes that develop in your teeth, starting out small and becoming larger over time (if they’re not treated). Cavities are the result of tooth decay. Anyone, including infants, can develop tooth decay, even if they believe they have a good oral hygiene routine. Since they do not usually cause pain when they first appear, many people do not realize that they have a problem until it becomes much worse. Getting regular check-ups at Now Dental, a Carmichael, California family dentistry practice can help to detect and resolve issues early.
Symptoms
There are a few common symptoms that can arise when you have a cavity. These indications may include:
- Tooth pain
- A noticeable hole in a tooth
- Tooth sensitivity
- White or black staining on your teeth
Tooth Decay Sources
Plaque causes tooth cavities to form. Plaque is a sticky substance made of saliva, bacteria, acid, and food that sticks to the teeth. Every mouth is home to bacteria. When you eat or drink something with sugar in it, the bacteria turn the sugar into acid, which becomes plaque. Plaque begins to form as soon as your drink or eat sugary foods. It sticks to your teeth and, over time, will cause the tooth enamel to erode. The enamel is the coating on your teeth that guards them against decay. When the enamel erodes and becomes weaker, you are more likely to develop cavities.
Risk Factors
If you have teeth, you are at risk of developing cavities. However, some people have a higher risk than others. This includes those with poor oral health habits, people who consume a lot of sugary or acidic foods and drinks, and those who don’t get enough fluoride. Other risk factors include dry mouth, acid reflux disease, and eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia.
Treatment Options
There are a few different methods that dentists use to treat and repair cavities. During your next appointment, be sure to 
mention any symptoms you are experiencing like pain or tooth sensitivity. The dentist will then perform an oral exam and X-rays to determine if you are experiencing tooth decay. The recommended treatment option will depend on the severity of the cavity. Treatment options include early-stage fluoride treatment, tooth fillings, crowns, and root canals.
Prevention Tips
When it comes to cavities, prevention is always better than expensive dental treatments. You can work to prevent tooth decay from occurring by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting your dentist twice a year for regular cleanings.
When it comes to flossing, your dentist may suggest you floss after each meal, especially if you experience bleeding gums.
You should also limit snacking between meals and cut down your intake of sugary and acidic foods like candy, soda, juice, and refined carbs. Some foods can also combat tooth decay. These include calcium-rich foods, fruits and veggies that are full of fiber, water with fluoride, unsweetened black or green tea, and xylitol sugarless chewing gum.
If you believe you have a cavity or you just want to be schedule a check-up, contact us at Now Dental today!