The majority of individuals are generally aware of what cavities are. They are little areas of decay on your teeth that progress with time and can usually be filled by a dentist. But cavities are a little more complicated than this. The more information you have, the easier it will be for you to spot, stop, and repair cavities in your mouth and the mouths of your children. Here is some information regarding cavities you probably weren't aware of:
1. Cavities result from acid in your mouth You've likely heard that sugar contributes to cavities. This is somewhat accurate, but it's been oversimplified. Cavities form when oral bacteria devour sugar and then release acid. Essentially, deterioration is brought on by acid. In order to safeguard against cavities, try to avoid consuming sugar. However, if you have to eat it, be sure to immediately rinse your mouth so that oral bacteria cannot thrive on it.
2. Some "healthy" foods can even lead to cavities Some meals that are typically regarded as "healthy" might induce cavities because of their high sugar content. As an example, dried fruit tends to cling to your teeth and leave sugar on the surface of your enamel for a long time after you consume it. Another example is juice, which is not a great option for your teeth because it might have the same sugar as soda.
3. Large cavities cannot simply be filled Your dentist might not be able to repair a cavity with just a filling if it becomes excessively large. The tooth could become weak as a result of having too much dental structure removed. If a cavity becomes too large, you could require a crown or a root canal. This is an excellent reason to schedule a checkup with your dentist every six months. Your dental specialist will be able to diagnose cavities when they are tiny and simple to address.
4. Cavities do not naturally heal You may have come across various home treatments that promise to cure cavities, such as charcoal and essential oils. These treatments are merely scams and hoaxes. Once a cavity has developed, it cannot be healed. The most effective way to address the cavity and prevent further deterioration is to have it filled.
5. Cavities don't necessarily cause you pain In fact, most cavities don't start hurting until they're pretty deep. If you have no discomfort, do not assume that you do not have any cavities in your mouth. Cavities can be found by your dentist long before they cause pain.
6. Baby teeth with cavities also require treatment Many parents believe that because children lose their baby teeth, those teeth don't need to be treated for cavities. That is definitely not the case. Your children require their baby teeth to chew, communicate, and arrange appropriate positions for the adult teeth. Make an effort to avoid cavities in your children's teeth.
7. Cavities are easier to prevent than to treat Cavities may be avoided far more easily than they can be fixed after they have developed. The American Dental Association advises using fluoride-infused toothpaste at least twice a day to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and reduce your risk of tooth decay. Doctors also advise boosting water intake while reducing carbohydrate intake. This is due to the possibility that having a dry mouth would speed up your enamel's acidic breakdown. Additionally, maintaining a proper oral hygiene regimen and visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams are as important.
The bottom line You're ready to take better care of your teeth now that you've learned more about cavities! If you have tooth decay, or other types of dental problems, or just avoided the dentist for too long, consider scheduling an appointment to get your mouth examined and treated if necessary.
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