A cavity, also known as tooth
decay, is a hole that can form in your tooth. Usually cavities start very small
and gradually become bigger if they are left untreated. Most of the time
cavities are not painful in their beginning stages, making it difficult to
detect them until they become more severe. The best way to stay on top of your
oral health and catch a cavity early on, is by visiting your dentist on a
regular basis. In fact, many people are shocked when they go to the dentist and
learn they have a cavity when they have zero signs or symptoms. It’s always
best to treat your cavity ASAP to avoid the progression of tooth decay.
What are the
symptoms of a cavity?
Some common symptoms of a cavity
may depend on the severity of the decay or how long it has been present. You
may experience tooth sensitivity, tooth pain, white or black staining on the
tooth or you may even see the start of a hole.
Common causes
of tooth decay | Cavities
Cavities on a tooth are typically caused by a substance called
plaque. Plaque is a
combination of food particles, acid, bacteria and saliva that form a sticky
film on your teeth. We all have bacteria in our mouths – it’s inevitable! After
we eat or drink something, the bacteria in our mouth turns sugar into acid
which then begins the process of erosion
of the tooth enamel. Enamel is the hard protective layer on our
teeth that protects us from getting tooth decay. If that enamel is weakened,
there is much higher chance for tooth decay.
Risk factors
for tooth decay
Everyone is at risk for getting a
cavity in their lifetime, but some people are at a higher risk depending on
their lifestyle and habits.
Habits/Lifestyles
that put you at risk for getting a cavity:
·
Consuming sugary/acidic beverages or foods
·
Not having a daily dental hygiene routine. The American Dental Association recommends
flossing at least once a day as well as brushing at least twice a day,
especially before bedtime.
·
Not getting enough fluoride. People
can increase their fluoride intake by simply drinking tap water, or purchasing
a fluoride rinse/toothpaste to help strengthen their enamel.
·
Eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia
·
Dry mouth
·
Acid Reflux Disease
How to treat a
cavity
If you feel any sensitivity or
pain in a tooth, call your dental office as soon as possible. Most of the time
your dentist can detect tooth decay after a regular dental exam. Sometimes
however, a cavity may not be visible at that time, so he/she may need to take
x-rays to check for decay.
The role of
orthodontics and tooth decay
Sometimes if teeth are positioned
too close together or spaced apart, food can get trapped and remain on the
tooth for long periods of time. This can then cause tooth decay and eventually
put you at a higher risk of getting cavities.
At Spannhake Orthodontics we would love to help you improve your overall oral health!
It’s
never too late to improve the health of your smile.
