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.
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…
Your general dentist may tell you that you may need a dental implant someday soon. The idea of getting an artificial tooth can be intimidating or even scary. Your consultation will give you the chance to clarify some things about the procedure. Here are some questions you can ask your general dentist during that first…
A general dentist may spot signs of gum disease during a six-month checkup. Fortunately, these dental care providers can diagnose and treat gum disease of various severity levels. Whether they recommend deep cleaning or periodontal surgery, a dentist can help patients restore oral health and relieve symptoms.Gum disease, or periodontitis, is common but preventable. But…
General dentists are the professionals individuals see for preventative dental care and their biannual checkups. However, they can also help with sudden dental needs, such as treating tooth pain or repairing broken teeth. Let us look at the causes of broken teeth, their types, and how we can help.There are various types of broken teeth,…
Proper dental care is important for the overall health of your entire family. Routine oral care from a family dentist can have an impact not just on the appearance of your teeth and gums, but on their function as well. Dental health can also affect many systems of the body and should be prioritized to…
Finding the right dental home for your family is an important part of supporting the oral health of all members. The right family dentist can provide such a home and help you facilitate getting your loved ones the care they need. Follow this helpful guide to finding a family dentist near you.A family dentist has…