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://www.southfloridadentalarts.com or call South Florida Dental Arts at (305) 230-4041 for an appointment in our Miami office.

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

Recent Posts

The Long-Term Benefits Of Seeing A Family Dentist

Establishing a relationship with a family dentist offers numerous long-term benefits for maintaining oral health. By providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages, a family dentist ensures continuity of treatment, early detection of potential problems, and education that fosters a lifetime of healthy habits. Investing in regular visits to a family dentist is an…

5 Issues A Family Dentist Can Help You With

Routine dental checkups are just as important as brushing and flossing when it comes to oral health. Visiting a family dentist is a smart and convenient option that can provide a number of important advantages for the whole family and help to ensure you all maintain healthy teeth and gums.Some people may assume that there…

Dental Care Tips: Take Your Family To A Family Dentist

When you are a parent, you are responsible for your children's medical care. Healthy teeth are an important component under that umbrella of care. Finding a family dentist is an easy step that simplifies the process of caring for the oral health of the entire family. This type of dentist is a dentist who is…

Common Treatments From A Family Dentist

Family dentists typically offer a wide range of services, addressing oral health, cosmetic and functional concerns. This review highlights the services that you can expect your local family dentist to offer you and your family. The most notable areas of focus for family dentists include diagnostic services, preventive dentistry, restorative dentistry, and cosmetic treatments. Many also…

Recent Posts

Choose A Cosmetic Dentist For Cosmetic Dentistry Services

Choose A Cosmetic Dentist For Cosmetic Dentistry Services

Cosmetic dentistry services have become increasingly popular in recent years. From professional teeth whitening to dental veneers, cosmetic dentists specialize in improving the appearance of your teeth and smile. Here are five reasons to choose a cosmetic dentist for your cosmetic dentistry services.Cosmetic dentists undergo additional training beyond dental school. During this education, they focus…

Cosmetic Dentist Uses Dental Bonding To Reshape Teeth

Cosmetic Dentist Uses Dental Bonding To Reshape Teeth

Your cosmetic dentist can reshape your teeth to improve your dental health and appearance. This can even enhance your general health. Bonding material allows the dentist to provide you with a better dental shape. Here are the details on how a cosmetic dentist can reshape your teeth with dental bonding.A chipped edge and dental staining…