What causes cavities and tooth decay?
Cavities/Tooth Decay
As humans, we’re constantly eating day in and day out. As much as what you eat affects your physical health, it also affects your oral health as well. If you’ve ever heard your mom or your dentist tell you to “stop eating all that sugar or you’ll rot your teeth,” you know exactly how your diet affects your mouth. Foods that are high in sugar contain enzymes that easily break down your teeth protective barrier, known as the enamel. The more you wear away at your enamel, the easier it gets for cavities to form. Most drinks and foods contain lots of acids–especially soda. If you do not immediately brush your teeth after consuming high acidity foods, your enamel is already beginning to wear away.
Signs and symptoms of a cavity
Like any other disease or ailment, there are signs that tell you whether you have a cavity. Most people think they’ll notice a black spot on their teeth if they have a cavity, but that isn’t always the case. Sometimes there are no physical signs that you have a cavity; this all depends on the person and how bad the damage is.
Attending regular routine check-ups with your dentist will aid in preventing cavities from forming.
Other signs of cavities include:
- high sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing
- frequent tooth pain
It is best to consult with our dentist at Gentle Dental care if you experience any of these signs or symptoms. X-rays may be needed if a cavity is not visualized
Cavity Treatment
Depending on the severity of your cavity, there are different treatment options available. For a more serious cavity, tooth extraction or a root canal may be best. But if you see a dentist before the cavity becomes too severe, there are more minimally invasive options available to you. Such as a filling or fluoride treatment.
Attending regular 6-month cleanings with your dentist will aid you in noticing cavities when they first appear. Additionally, these cleanings will help prevent cavities from forming as easily in the first place.
Contact Us!
If you are in need of a routine cleaning or have symptoms associated with a cavity, give our office a call at (281) 855-1100. We are more than happy to help schedule an appointment. We have multiple locations across the Greater Houston area, so make sure you find one close to you!
