Cavities
Cavities! It is a word that brings upon many different feelings and thoughts, but a little better understanding of what causes tooth decay and how to treat it can help reduce any potential fear you may have.
Cavities occur due to the destruction or weakening of the tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is the hard layer of the tooth that protects the underlying bone and the inside of the tooth.
Cavities can occur in adolescents and adults, so it is essential to preserve as much tooth enamel as possible.
In addition to providing smile makeovers to residents of Long Beach and the surrounding areas, we also provide the following general dentistry services in Long Beach: Dental Cleanings and X-Rays, Wisdom Teeth / Oral Surgery, Endodontic Surgery, Mouthguards, Nightguards, TMD Treatment, Emergency Dental Care, Sedation Dentistry, Sealants, and Fluoride Treatment.
As you consume sugary foods and beverages throughout the day, a sticky residue builds up on the teeth. Plaque, a sticky form of bacteria, is then attracted to the sugars on your teeth. As the bacteria grows on your teeth, they excrete an acid that can deteriorate the tooth’s enamel, which over time begins to break down. This breakdown is what creates a cavity.
Cavities occur more frequently in children but can become an increasing concern with age as well. As the gums recede, it exposes weaker portions of the teeth that are more susceptible to cavities. This gum recession can also expose the roots of the tooth and any damage to the root may lead to tooth loss.
Cavities also form in older adults around fillings or dental work. This can be because the tooth has lost a large amount of enamel that younger individuals have not, but may also be attributed to the lack of modern dental work. Older dental work typically doesn’t hold well around the edges and exposes the underlying tooth to damage and decay.
When the enamel becomes too brittle, tiny pores begin to form in natural teeth. In this situation, our dentist will more than likely use fillings to treat the problem. If not, this may lead to an even bigger issue.
A filling is performed when our dentists removes the damaged tooth and other material from the cavity and fills it with material to prevent future damage to the tooth area. Fillings are made of resin or a combination of materials to protect the teeth.
Cavities may also form in older adults around fillings or previous dental work. This may be due to the loss of a significant amount of tooth enamel that was lost as a child, and it could also be due to the lack of modern dental care. Longer dental procedures usually do not go through the sidewalls properly and the main tooth does not break or decay.
There are some simple tricks that people can use to avoid or lessen the amount and severity of cavities that they get over the course of their lives.
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste – Brushing twice a day helps to remove the buildup of sugars and bacteria on your teeth. Toothpaste that contains fluoride helps to maintain the tooth’s natural enamel.
- Clean between your teeth every day – The use of floss or an interdental cleaner can help to remove food or sugars that get caught between the teeth and are not removed by brushing.
- Ask your dentist about supplemental fluoride – Many municipal water supplies are treated with fluoride to help the entire population’s dental health. However, if you don’t live in one of these areas or you have issues with cavities, you should ask your dentist about adding supplemental fluoride to your health plan.
- Complete your regular checkups – Visiting your dentist regularly can help to remove some of the more difficult plaque or buildup. These visits can also catch problems early when they are easily treatable rather than when they require complete tooth removal.
Regular visits to the dentist are essential to reduce the possibility of large-scale dental treatment. If you have dental hypersensitivity or suspected cavities, you should make an appointment with us today. Small cavities are easy to care for and a regular procedure for us.
