




The simple answer is that a lack of oral hygiene causes cavities. Not brushing or flossing your teeth in between meals, before bed, and regularly overall leads to cavities and tooth decay.
With 9 out of 10 adults that have had a cavity, it is not uncommon to form one. Although cavities are common, they are not healthy and can be painful. Read on to learn what causes cavities, how to tell if you have one, what to do once you detect it, and ultimately how to prevent a cavity from forming in the first place.
What REALLY Causes Cavities?
Cavities are permanently damaging to the teeth. Once a cavity has started forming, there is no stopping. Unfortunately, the only way to reverse the cycle of a cavity is to inform your dentist. To stay out of the dentist chair you should know what causes cavities. This might help you dodge ever having one, to begin with.
So, what causes cavities?
Holes and craters that form in the teeth come from many different factors. It can either be just one of the above listed or several joined together. Coincidentally, a lot of the causes go hand-in-hand. Therefore, if you eat late at night, you might have poor oral hygiene , which will lead to plaque and bacteria formation. The best way to prevent a cavity is to first be informed of how they form.
Signs and Symptoms You Might Have a Cavity
One of the great things about the body is that it will share with you if there is something odd going on. Whether that be a cold or a cavity, there are ways to detect what the body is trying to say. This will help you decide on the next best step, whether that be a trip to the doctor or a trip to the dentist.
Signs and symptoms might start to show up and let you know that it is possible you have a cavity. Some signs and symptoms can include:
The above signs and symptoms do not guarantee you have a cavity; however, it does indicate something is going on inside the mouth and jaw. It is also very possible that you might not have any signs or symptoms at all. However, if you do, we recommend calling your dentist right away to schedule an appointment.
What to Do If You Have a Cavity
If you suspect you have a cavity or something else going on in the mouth, the number one act we recommend is to call your dentist right away. A cavity is not an emergency situation. However, if you do not get a filling or a crown, then it can lead to permanently damaging your tooth, with a possibility of losing it.
If you have done the right thing and scheduled an appointment with your dentist, try these few at home remedies to help control the pain if there is any:
If you decide to wait to call your dentist, the procedure will not be as easy. The severity of the cavity will let the dentist know how to properly heal the tooth, if possible. If you let the tooth decay enough, you risk possible extraction.
How to Prevent Cavities
Knowing what a cavity is and how it forms helps prevent them from appearing. It is definitely possible to prevent cavities, and we suggest familiarizing yourself with some of the basic and most efficient techniques.
Prevent cavities by:
Your teeth are an important part of your mouth. They allow you to chew and eat comfortably and easily. Along with consuming food, they are what allows your smile to shine. The nicer your teeth, the more inclined you might be to show them off. Take care of what makes you proud. Now, brush those pearly whites !
Ellicott City Dentistry provides gentle, family oriented dental care to the adults and children of this community. We utilize the best equipment sterilization techniques available to dentists.
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