One of the things that a dentist will check for during your bi-annual checkup with them is cavities. Cavities are harmful and painful. They can actually lead to more significant problems if they’re left untreated. In this article, we’re going to look at what exactly a cavity is and why a dentist advises you never to leave a cavity unfilled.
A cavity is a hole or space in your tooth or teeth that occurs when food is left on them for an extended time. Food that gets left behind in your teeth provides a site of growth for harmful bacteria that will begin to reproduce and spread. The bacteria then wait for a hole to form in one or more of your teeth caused by food particles.
This is especially common with sugary or acidic foods that eat away at your teeth. Once these food particles form a hole, bacteria enter inside of the tooth, and a cavity is born.
It’s important to catch cavities early because they can develop into larger cavities that require more extensive work to remedy. Cavities are also quite painful once they’ve had time to grow and develop, and this can make simple tasks like eating food or drinking hot and cold liquids very painful. Here are a few of the things that can happen when a cavity goes unfilled.
It may need to be removed in worst-case scenarios where the tooth is so decayed and unhealthy because of cavities. Once the tooth is removed, it is replaced with dental implants to replace the missing tooth or teeth.
The number one way to avoid getting cavities is by seeing a dentist every six months so that they can check up on the health of your teeth. By fulfilling these visits, your dentist will be able to stay on top of cavities while they’re still young. This way, they can be filled and remedied before any extensive damage or pain can occur.
You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once outside of regular dental visits. Brushing your teeth with toothpaste containing fluoride will strengthen your teeth in their battle against cavities. Flossing regularly will help keep food from sticking in between your teeth, resulting in painful cavities.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Cumming, GA
Cavities can impact your oral health in many ways. Don't leave them untreated! Reach out to your dentist for more information.
Request an appointment or call North Georgia Smiles at 770-889-7867 for an appointment in our Cumming office.
One aspect of dentistry that often gets overlooked is gum disease. Dentists are a wealth of information regarding this dangerous condition that can lead to heart disease and diabetes. Speak with yours and learn everything you need to know about this critical topic.You should arrive at your dental appointment with a list of prepared concerns.…
Dentists know that having bad breath can be embarrassing. This is a common issue for many people who have dental problems. There are some simple steps that we can take to prevent bad breath, even if it's caused by poor oral hygiene or gum disease. In this article, we'll go over these six tips and…
As demand for a bright white smile grows, teeth whitening options increase in popularity and variety. Picking the appropriate solution requires a consultation with a dental professional who can ensure you get the desired results for your individual needs.Most dentists develop patient tooth-whitening plans based on the patient’s existing stains. The type of stain determines…