A cavity is a permanent damage area in your teeth hard surface, which develops into tiny holes or openings. Cavities, also called caries, are caused by factors such as bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, and not cleaning your teeth very well
If cavities are not treated, they can get larger and affect the deeper layers of your teeth. They can also lead to infection, severe toothache, and tooth loss. Good flossing and brushing habits and regular dental visits are your best preventive ways of protecting your teeth against tooth decay and cavities.
A lot of factors contribute to the development of cavities. They include:
Certain risk factors can also cause cavities. This includes:
Dental cavities won't get away on their own. Cavities will slowly expand to a point where they can move into your pulp and the pulp chamber of your tooth, and this will cause you pain. This can eventually lead to you needing a root canal.
Therefore you should try getting to your dentist as soon as you notice that you have a cavity. Do not wait to feel the pain. You can get dental fillings in South Austin to help fill the cavity or tooth decay.
Practicing good oral hygiene helps you avoid tooth decay and cavities. Here are some of the ways to help you prevent cavities. Ask your dentist near you which tips are best for you.
You should brush your teeth ideally after every meal or at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. To help you clean between your teeth, use an interdental cleaner or floss. Rinse your mouth with fluoride if you feel you are at risk of developing cavities.
Get professional dental cleanings and oral exams to help prevent or spot problems such as cavities as early. Your South Austin dentist will recommend the best schedule that fits you.
A dental sealant is a preventive coating placed on the surface of your molar teeth. It seals the grooves and depressions that accumulate food debris and bacteria, thus protecting your tooth's enamel from acid and plaque. Dental sealants may last up to about10 years before replacement, but they have to be checked regularly.
Every time you eat or drink beverages other than water, your help your mouth bacteria produce more acids which can destroy your teeth's enamel. Drinking or snacking throughout the day, the teeth will be under constant attack.
If you have tapped water around you, drink it, as most public water supplies have added fluoride, which helps to reduce tooth decay significantly. However, if you drink bottled water that does not contain fluoride, you will be missing out on the fluoride benefits.
Some foods and beverages are more good for your oral health than others. Avoid foods that may get stuck in the puts and groves of your teeth for some time, or brush soon after eating these foods.
However, foods such as fresh vegetables and fruits increase your saliva flow. In addition, unsweetened coffee, sugar-free gum, and ten can help wash away food particles.
Your dentist may recommend that you get periodic fluoride treatments, especially if you are not getting enough fluoride from drinking water containing fluoride. They may also recommend custom trays that fit over your teeth to apply prescription fluoride if you are at risk of tooth decay.
