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.
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Cavities can impact your oral health in many ways. Don't leave them untreated! Reach out to your dentist for more information.
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