Cavity Causes and Prevention Tips
Cavities,also known as tooth decay,is influenced by several
factors. The amount of fluoride in your toothpaste,what you eat,and how
you take care of your teeth. If there is a history of tooth disease and
problems in your family, you may inherit them as well.
Adults with severe dry mouth have a higher risk of cavities due to the lack of saliva in their mouths. Medications,radiation treatment,illness, and tobacco use play a large role in dry mouth. Tobacco uses up saliva and leaves the user with no moisture in the mouth.
Untreated cavities not only destroy the tooth,but can destroy the nerves also. This could cause an abscess which is very serious and left untreated may lead to death. Cavities are indeed a very serious problem with the ability to cause even more problems.
Since most cavities develop below the gum,you will be completely unaware of them without a visit to your dentist. The cavities you will be aware of are the ones that change the color or blacken an area of the tooth. If you notice these,make an appointment with your dentist asap.
Of course the best treatment is prevention. Avoid eating lots of sweets and drinking sodas. This will lower your risk for cavities significantly. Foods rich in sugar and starch are eaten by the bacteria found in plaque. This produces acids which eat through teeth. Left untreated, the acid will eat the tooth leaving no option but to extract the tooth.
Do not let the lack of visible evidence fool you. The tooth enamel begins to break down beneath the surface of your tooth. The reason a cavity becomes visible is due to the acid eating enough of the enamel to collapse the surface. Once the enamel is gone the root will be exposed. This can be a very painful condition.
A visit to your dentist is always the best way to spot cavities. A dental x-ray will reveal any cavities as well as how severe they are. If spotted in time, your dentist can save the tooth and stop the cavity from spreading.
Adults with severe dry mouth have a higher risk of cavities due to the lack of saliva in their mouths. Medications,radiation treatment,illness, and tobacco use play a large role in dry mouth. Tobacco uses up saliva and leaves the user with no moisture in the mouth.
Untreated cavities not only destroy the tooth,but can destroy the nerves also. This could cause an abscess which is very serious and left untreated may lead to death. Cavities are indeed a very serious problem with the ability to cause even more problems.
Since most cavities develop below the gum,you will be completely unaware of them without a visit to your dentist. The cavities you will be aware of are the ones that change the color or blacken an area of the tooth. If you notice these,make an appointment with your dentist asap.
Of course the best treatment is prevention. Avoid eating lots of sweets and drinking sodas. This will lower your risk for cavities significantly. Foods rich in sugar and starch are eaten by the bacteria found in plaque. This produces acids which eat through teeth. Left untreated, the acid will eat the tooth leaving no option but to extract the tooth.
Do not let the lack of visible evidence fool you. The tooth enamel begins to break down beneath the surface of your tooth. The reason a cavity becomes visible is due to the acid eating enough of the enamel to collapse the surface. Once the enamel is gone the root will be exposed. This can be a very painful condition.
A visit to your dentist is always the best way to spot cavities. A dental x-ray will reveal any cavities as well as how severe they are. If spotted in time, your dentist can save the tooth and stop the cavity from spreading.
Limiting your sweets and sodas does not mean you will avoid
cavities completely. Due to other factors mentioned,be sure to get your
dental check up regularly.
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