Contrary to what most people believe, dental cavities are not only confined to children. People of all ages often experience dental problems, including cavities in teeth.

Cavities, tooth decay, and caries are terms used to describe holes in teeth. They form when acids eat away at the teeth’s tough enamel. Tooth decay starts in the enamel, the top layer of the tooth. It finally reaches the dentin, the inner layer of the tooth. At this point, a dental cavity begins to develop.

Patience, dedication, regular brushing, and flossing are necessary to maintain dental hygiene and overall dental health. Furthermore, you should visit your dentist regularly, at least twice a year. Plaque and tartar buildup is still a possibility, especially in areas of your mouth that are challenging to clean.

Avoiding germs and bacteria that trigger tooth infection will help you prevent cavities on teeth and other potential damage.

What is a Cavity?

A tiny hole that appears in the tooth’s hard outer covering, enamel, is referred to as a cavity. Common oral bacteria produce a sticky coating on the surface of the teeth that causes cavities by converting the sugar in our diets into acid. This acid devalues and corrodes our teeth by removing the minerals that give our enamel durability. When the barrier defending the enamel cracks, the acid will start eroding the dentin layer beneath it, causing a cavity on the side of the tooth.

Signs of Tooth Decay

Dental decay symptoms include:

  •       Having spots on your teeth that are grey, brown, or black
  •       Halitosis
  •       An unpleasant flavor on your tongue
  •       Toothache. It might be a random acute pain with no apparent cause or persistent, waking discomfort
  •       Consuming anything hot, cold, or sweet and experiencing discomfort and pain afterward

How to Stop Tooth Decay?

Routine exams help identify teeth with cavities and other dental irregularities before they progress or begin causing more severe problems. If you receive a tooth decay treatment immediately, you have a better chance of reversing early tooth decay and halting its spread. Generally, if a cavity is treated before it becomes painful, you won’t need extensive treatment.

Following are some dental tips to prevent cavities and treat tooth decay:

Resist Sugary Diet

One of the main factors contributing to cavities is diet, especially free sugars. A healthy diet is crucial, and sugar intake should be kept to a minimum. Sugar and oral bacteria in the mouth combine to create an acid that devalues tooth enamel.

Fluoride Therapy

Fluoride treatments may be able to inhibit the development of a cavity if it has just begun. By employing fluoride treatments, you can restore the enamel on your teeth. Compared to toothpaste, mouthwash, and tap water, professional fluoride treatments have higher fluoride concentrations. Fluoride treatments can be administered to the teeth directly with a brush, inside a small tray that fits over them, or as a solution, gel, foam, or varnish.

Filling

A filling often referred to as a restoration, is the main form of treatment if damage has advanced past the initial stage. Dental amalgam, porcelain, and composite resins that closely match tooth color are some of the materials used to make fillings.

Crown

If you have teeth that are extremely decaying or weak, you may need a crown, a custom-made covering that replaces the teeth’s natural crown. A range of materials, including high-strength porcelain, resin, porcelain fused to metal, and gold, can be used to create crowns.

Wrap Up

If you reside in Seattle and want proper dental treatment for tooth cavities, you may contact Dr. Sue Vetter in Seattle. For scheduling an appointment, you may give us a call or come by our clinic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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(206) 547 4131

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2101 North 34th Street Suite 170

Seattle, Washington 98103

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