Dental
cavities are typical and affect 90% of the population. In early stages,
they may not cause pain, but if they are left untreated they can continue to
compromise the tooth and become painful and unsightly. Cavities are holes in
the two outer layers of the tooth, called the enamel and the dentin. Both these
layers are in place to protect the pulp, the inner of the tooth. This is the
living tissue where in actuality the blood vessels and nerves can be found.
Scheduling regular dental check-ups including a thorough cleaning and x-rays
will alert your dentist to any problems before they become severe.
Where Do Cavities Come From?
Cavities are brought on by tooth decay. Tooth decay
occurs when bacteria is allowed to discover a home in the mouth. This bacteria
feeds off certain types of sugars found in food and drink which is recognized
as fermentable carbohydrates. If these sugars are allowed to stay on the tooth,
the bacteria feed to them and make acid. A sticky film coats tooth called
plaque. The plaque includes a variety of bacteria, acids, saliva, and food
particles. This plaque softens tooth and creates small regions of erosion which
the bacteria enters and works to help the decay.
What Can I Do To Prevent Them?
The first defense against the forming of cavities is
to consume right in the very first place. Avoid sodas, sugary snacks, starchy
foods, honey, hard candy, and even milk; each is foods which are known to
create a great environment for bacteria to grow. The next line of defense is to
brush and floss regularly. Your dentist can advise you as to the best and most
reliable cleaning techniques. Alternative methods to help avoid tooth decay
include ensuring that you get enough fluoride and to truly have a sealant put
on your teeth. Particularly in children, fluoride helps to strengthen the tooth
enamel that leads to fewer cavities. Sealants are put on the trunk teeth to
fill the nooks and crannies where bacteria can thrive. Sealants include a
plastic coating that is painted onto the tooth in a painless procedure. Sealants
have succeeded in preventing tooth decay in small children along with adults
that are cavity prone.
Once a cavity is formed, your dentist may choose to
fill your tooth with a gold dental amalgam, composite material, gold, or
porcelain. Porcelain fillings are becoming more popular even though they are
often as expensive as gold fillings. A great benefit to using porcelain to fill
a cavity is that along with can be matched to the natural color of the tooth.
Taking the time to visit a dental clinic regularly
for a full check-up provides dentist the chance not to only cause you to aware
of any problems that could arise and advise you on the needed action, but it
also allows the dentist to educate you or your child on proper dental hygiene.
Comments
Post a Comment