Cavities have to be treated by a dentist. Although there are some at-home remedies you can use in the preventive stages, if you discover that you may have a cavity, you need to see a professional to get it fixed sooner rather than later. By preventative remedies, we mean regular teeth-brushing with fluoride toothpaste which is known to harden tooth enamel. If you prefer not to use products that contain fluoride, there are some natural remedies that are commonly used to strengthen the tooth’s enamel, however, we do recommend the professional route when it comes to the health of your teeth.
Learning to take care of our teeth to prevent cavities is something that almost all children are exposed to while growing up. The basics of good dental hygiene remain the same throughout, for the most part. However, it is not uncommon for dentists to come across a few misconceptions surrounding cavities. Let’s break down these myths and set the record straight.
Brushing Is Enough To Prevent Cavities
While brushing forms the backbone for good dental hygiene, it is not recommended to rely solely on brushing. In order to prevent cavities, you need to include regular flossing to remove any remaining bacteria from your teeth. By removing the bacteria, there is no breeding ground for decay to occur. Excessive intake of acidic and sugary foods speeds up the process of tooth decay because it breaks down the tooth’s enamel layer, making your tooth vulnerable. If you find yourself consuming these types of food on a regular basis, you should consider improving your daily oral hygiene practice. Prevention is better than the cure.
Only Children Get Cavities
Cavities unfortunately can happen at any stage of your life and not only as a child. Dry mouth is a big cause of cavities which is more likely to occur in adults taking chronic medication and the like. The lack of saliva caused by dry mouth can accelerate tooth decay. Genetic predispositions can be a cause of cavities, while prolonged consumption of acidic and sugary products can cause damage over a long period of time leading to tooth decay in adults.
Once A Cavity Is Repaired You Will Never Get Another
Your dentist will first remove the decay from the tooth and then fill the cavity with filling material. By removing the decay and filling the tooth, it is unlikely that the tooth will continue to decay. However, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene. Cavities can develop in other teeth and decay can occur around the filling that you have already had done. Having fillings done should not be a signal to stop taking care of your teeth on a daily basis.
You Will Feel A Cavity Growing
The truth: you won’t always feel a cavity developing in your mouth. Tooth decay can go unnoticed for a while before it gives you any pain. Catching a cavity as soon as your tooth starts to decay is the best way to go about things. In order to do this, don’t avoid your dentist. Having regular check-ups will allow you to fix any problems that develop before they get worse and cause you unnecessary pain. Remember, the longer a cavity exists without treatment, the more damage is being done to your teeth. No pain is not a sign that your teeth are fine.
Avoiding Sugar Will Prevent Cavities
While sugar is a major contributing factor to cavities developing, it is not the only reason why cavities form. Cavities can be a result of genetics, the geometry of a new tooth, or bad teeth cleaning habits. While genetics is not something you can control, taking good care of your teeth through daily flossing and brushing will lessen your chances of developing cavities. While sodas and foods are a big part of tooth decay, carbohydrates such as rice, bread, potatoes, and fruit can lead to bacteria in plaque increasing on the teeth. Acid is released which leads to tooth decay as it eats away at the tooth. While these foods cannot be avoided completely, moderation will help. Moderation and having a good teeth-cleaning routine.
Dental Services In Boynton Beach
If you’re feeling any pain or discomfort and suspect you may have a cavity or cavities forming, book an appointment as soon as you get the chance. Eriks Dental Group offers a 5-star dental experience and great results. Whether you need a teeth cleaning or a dental filling; our doctors are ready to make this a comfortable experience for you. Get in touch with us today!