What To Know About Cavities
At Integrity Dental, we want to help our patients maintain optimal oral health. One way we do this is through cleaning and checking their teeth thoroughly during routine oral hygiene examinations. When we detect a problem, we make treatment recommendations based on our findings. One of the most common dental issues we see in patients of all ages is cavities. Of course you’ve heard about cavities, and maybe you’ve even had one or two, but do you know how they form and how to prevent them?
What are Cavities?
A cavity is a hole in your tooth caused by acid eroding your tooth enamel, the outer covering of the teeth. A cavity can affect any surface of your teeth, even down near the root. A number of factors contribute to cavities developing, such as food that is trapped between teeth and sugary and sticky foods that remain lodged in the grooves of your teeth. When food and bacteria remain on your teeth, they eventually turn into acid that begins to slowly eat away at the tooth enamel, eventually creating a hole. When cavities are not treated in a timely manner, the hole will continue to get bigger.
Signs of a Cavity
Your mouth and teeth will give warning signs that you may have a cavity:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Tooth discomfort and pain
- Holes or pits in your teeth
- Brown discoloration on your teeth
The Best Way to Prevent Cavities
Maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine is the best way to avoid developing a cavity. We recommend brushing and flossing after eating, especially after having sugary foods. Another great way to prevent cavities is by visiting us for an oral hygiene examination. We not only check your teeth, but we also remove any lingering plaque and bacteria that can cause cavities.
If you think you may have a cavity, or you are due for a hygiene examination, be sure to contact our office in Wellington, FL. We look forward to seeing you soon!
