It is really hard to get through life without having getting cavities at some point in time. And some people are more susceptible than others. We all know that brushing, flossing and regular visits to the dentist will help as well as cutting out the sweets. Let’s take a closer look at cavities to learn more.
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a cavity and tooth decay? If you are like most people, you would say that they were the same thing. But in fact, they are very different. Tooth decay is a gradual process that takes place in your mouth. Bacteria will form acids that over time, destroy the surface of your teeth. Given enough time, the decay will erode the enamel of your teeth causing a hole that is the cavity itself.
If you have a cavity, we will know it because it will be the first thing we look for during your examination. Often times the cavity can be spotted right away but the x-rays allow us to determine the extent of the cavity.
If you have a toothache or you are feeling very sensitive to food or drinks that are either hot or cold, that is also an indication that you might have a cavity.
How we treat the cavity is determined by how big the cavity has gotten and how much damage it has produced. Small cavities can be treated with fillings but larger cavities may require more extensive treatment such as onlays or crowns.
When protecting your children from getting cavities, we recommend applying dental sealants to the back teeth as preventative measures against cavities.
If you feel you might have a cavity then we would like you to call us for a visit sooner rather than later. We care about your oral health.
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