A Family Dentist Explains What Causes Cavities

Do you think you have a cavity and are looking for a family dentist to help? Having cavities is one of the most common health problems in the world, especially among children and teenagers. If left untreated, cavities can cause bigger oral health problems like infection, severe toothaches and tooth loss.

What causes cavities?

By definition, cavities are the damaged parts of the surface of your teeth that develop into small holes. Cavities, which are also known as caries, are caused by the combination of poor oral hygiene, frequent snacking, sugary drinks and the bacteria in your mouth.

Fortunately, cavities can be treated by practicing good oral hygiene, which means brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly and making regular visits to your family dentist.

Cavities are caused by the decay of your tooth, which happens over a long period of time. The process starts with plaque, which is the filmy substance on the surface of your teeth caused by the bacteria in your mouth feeding on the starch and sugars you consume.

The plaque on your teeth contains acids that gradually weaken your enamel and create tiny holes in it. As the tooth decay continues, the bacteria and acids move on to the pulp of the tooth, which contains blood vessels and nerves. The irritation of the pulp by the acids and bacteria leads to swelling, which continues to expand and cause pain.

Symptoms of cavities

There are no symptoms of cavities in the early stages, which makes it hard to know that you have cavities unless you go to your family dentist for regular checkups. As the hole gets bigger, you will experience a few symptoms, including:

  • Sensitive teeth
  • Pain when you chew food
  • Staining on the surface of a tooth
  • Visible holes in your teeth
  • Toothaches

Preventing cavities

Since cavities can lead to the loss of your teeth if left untreated, prevention is the best cure, which is why your family dentist can provide some tips on how to prevent cavities, which include:

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste

Fluoride is very effective in preventing cavities, which is why your family dentist tells you to use fluoride toothpaste when you brush your teeth. You should try to brush after every meal, but if you cannot do so, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash shortly after eating and chew a piece of sugar-free gum.

Drink plenty of tap water

The public water in most cities in the United States contains fluoride, which means you can strengthen your enamel by consuming plenty of tap water.

Get regular dental examinations

Cavities can be difficult to spot by just looking at your teeth in the mirror and the decay will progress if it is left untreated. Regular trips to the dentist will help you spot the problem early, allowing you to begin treatment immediately.

Conclusion

Cavities can cause a lot of damage to your teeth and leave you in a lot of pain, which is why you need to brush your teeth regularly to reduce your chances of tooth decay. If you have some pain in your teeth but do not notice any cavities, schedule an appointment with your family dentist to make sure your mouth is cavity-free.

Request an appointment here: https://copdo.com or call Colorado Precision Dentistry at (303) 481-0565 for an appointment in our Highlands Ranch office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Family Dentist.


Related Posts

The Role Of A Family Dentist In Preventive Care

A family dentist serves as the front line of defense for oral health and preventive care. They can see patients from childhood all the way through their lives, allowing for a level of continued care, attention, and personal knowledge that is unmatched among other types of dental offices. If you are considering what kind of…

Dental Care For A Toothache From A Family Dentist

A family dentist is a resource that many individuals are choosing to utilize as they offer convenience and ease for entire families. Both children and adults can visit one location and receive all of their oral health care at the same time, thus making for fewer trips to the dental office. Family dentists are equipped to…

Family Dentist Questions: What Causes Cavities?

Choosing to ask a family dentist any questions that support the health of one’s mouth is encouraged. The more one knows about what it takes to experience good oral health, the more likely they are to have good oral health. Since cavities are preventable and treatable, understanding their cause is necessary.A family dentist is a…

When You Should Consider Visiting An Emergency Dentist

Most people visit the dentist once or twice a year, but it is impossible to know when a visit to an emergency dentist might be necessary. These dentists work on issues that must be treated immediately and cannot wait for a scheduled appointment. For people who are experiencing an issue with their dentition, knowing whether…

Colorado Precision Dentistry

Share
Published by
Colorado Precision Dentistry

Recent Posts

The Dental Bridge Procedure: A Step-By-Step Guide

A dental bridge might be the right treatment if you have lost one or more…

2 weeks ago

How Dentists Use Dermal Fillers

Cosmetic surgeons use dermal fillers to smoothen fine lines and even add youthful volume to…

1 month ago

The Role of a Family Dentist in Preventive Care

Family dentists typically focus on preventive care to stop big problems while they are still…

3 months ago

How a Cosmetic Dentist Improves the Appearance of Your Smile

A person’s smile comprises many parts, each contributing to the overall aesthetic, including teeth alignment,…

3 months ago

What Oral Appliances Are Used in Dentistry to Treat Sleep Apnea?

There are several treatment options available for patients with sleep apnea. The following is a…

4 months ago

What Is Composite Bonding for a Smile Makeover?

Learn how composite bonding can be used during your smile makeover to enhance your smile.…

6 months ago