Cavities are one of the most common reasons that people seek dental treatment. These small holes develop on teeth surfaces due to acids in the mouth eating away at them. Bacteria in the mouth consume sugars and excrete these acids.
The earliest stage of tooth decay can be reversed if a dentist detects it early on. It is known as the demineralization stage, and it can be reversed with a fluoride treatment.
The latter stages of tooth decay require treatments like fillings, composite bonding, or crowns to prevent the decay from destroying the tooth. An untreated cavity can also lead to an infection. That requires a root canal from a general dentist. They will clean out the contents of the pulp chamber and apply medication to the area.
Cavities are easy to avoid if patients take good care of their mouth and avoid foods and beverages that promote tooth decay. Here are a few ways to keep the teeth decay-free.
Brushing the teeth twice a day helps remove the things that lead to decay. Bacteria in the mouth form plaque, the sticky, transparent film that forms over teeth during the day. Plaque contains bacteria and their acids, so it gradually eats away at teeth surfaces.
Fortunately, plaque can be removed by brushing the teeth regularly. Brushing after every meal provides maximum protection, but many people have difficulty keeping up with that oral hygiene schedule. Brushing twice a day also provides adequate protection, especially right before bed. Saliva production is decreased during sleep, which makes teeth more vulnerable to tooth decay. Also, food particles and the acids produced by bacteria have built up all day, so it is best to get them off the teeth before going to bed.
When left on teeth for a few days, plaque hardens into tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing. Tartar contains acids made by oral bacteria and can only be removed by a dentist during teeth cleaning. Removing it requires using a dental tool called a scaler, and it requires training and experience to perform the procedure safely.
Flossing helps get rid of plaque in the spaces between teeth. These areas are too narrow to reach with the bristles of a toothbrush. Aim to floss once a day before or after brushing teeth at night.
Sugar is the number-one thing that people who are concerned with cavities should avoid. Bacteria in the mouth love it, and it gives them the fuel that they need to make the acids that damage teeth. Sugary drinks or snacks should be quickly consumed and the mouth rinsed with water afterward.
Take good care of your teeth, and cavities will not be something that you have to spend much time dealing with. So, give us a call or visit our Bryan clinic for more tips on how to prevent tooth decay and for cavity treatment.
Request an appointment here: http://www.riversdentistry.com or call Rivers Family Dentistry at (979) 710-2216 for an appointment in our Bryan office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Bryan, TX.
You can see your general dentist if you want to renew your smile. There are specific treatments that can improve your teeth and gums. At the same time, your dental functions can be better as well. Here are the cosmetic dental services that your general dentist can provide.Crooked teeth can distort one’s smile. This problem…
General dentists are the primary dental professionals people visit once or twice per year for oral health care. According to the American Dental Association, or ADA, biannual appointments are necessary to protect the integrity of your oral health, regardless of age. During these appointments, the general dentist and their team perform check-ups and recommend preventative…
Finding the right dentist for your oral health needs is an important process. While a general dentist and a family dentist offer similar services, there are significant differences between these dental specialties. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision that best fits your and your family's needs.A general dentist is a primary…
When your general dentist says you need an oral sedative, you might have questions. There are many reasons why you might want or need an oral sedative. You may experience a lot of anxiety, or you may need a procedure that can cause discomfort. General dentists use several different kinds of oral sedatives to help…
When it comes to choosing a dentist for your family, you have a lot of options. A family dentist can be a smart and convenient choice. These dental professionals provide comprehensive oral health care for your entire family under one roof, from children to adults. They personalize their services to each patient, ensuring optimal oral…
Dental bonding and dental filling both restore the smile. In essence, the restoratives are one and the same— the difference between them lies in when a dentist recommends them. Dentists most commonly use fillings to restore functionality to the teeth by filling cavities, while bonding is usually for cosmetic purposes. Either way, the result will…