Cavities are one of the most common dental issues. Both adults and kids are susceptible to getting cavities. Even with the most strict oral hygiene regimens, cavities can still creep in. Here’s what you need to know about cavities from prevention to treatment!
What Are Cavities?
Cavities are damaged areas of the tooth caused by harmful acids, bacteria, and decay. If left untreated, cavities will get deeper and more severe causing tooth pain, tooth sensitivity, and in some cases, tooth loss.
How to Prevent Cavities
There are many things you can do to help prevent cavities from arising.
Maintain a Great At-Home Oral Hygiene Routine
Eat Healthy Foods & Drink Plenty of Water
Visit the Dentist at Least Twice a Year
Cavity Prevention Treatments
Don’t Ignore Dental Pain or Discomfort
Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each session and floss daily. It’s important to regularly brush to remove any food debris and bacteria. If left sitting on the teeth, sugars and bacteria will start eating away at tooth enamel.
Staying hydrated keeps saliva production at normal levels and the mouth’s ph in check. Consuming healthy foods full of vitamins and nutrients helps boost the immune system and decreases the likelihood of developing oral health issues.
Dental cleanings and checkups are crucial for maintaining great oral health. Professional cleanings help target the areas in the mouth that are hard-to-reach when brushing and flossing. These areas are susceptible to plaque and tartar buildup. Regular checkups allow your dentist to catch any oral health problems while they’re still small, such as cavities.
During your visit to our office, the Chaney Dental team may suggest dental sealants or a fluoride treatment. These are two preventive treatments that are painless, quick and effective at preventing cavities, especially in children.
If you’re experiencing dental pain, sensitivity or discomfort, don’t let these symptoms go unchecked. Schedule a dental appointment to address any oral health concerns you have before they worsen!
Treating Cavities
One of the most common treatments for cavities is tooth-colored fillings. Tooth-coloring fillings are designed to fill in the cavity left from tooth decay to restore the tooth’s appearance and functionality. These fillings are perfectly matched to the shade of the tooth so that they blend in seamlessly. If the cavity is too big to fill, dental crowns are often used to repair the tooth. Crowns are durable, tooth-shaped ceramic caps that are permanently sealed over the decayed tooth. They are custom-made to look like the other teeth, so most people won’t even be able to tell the difference between a natural tooth and a crown.
Schedule Your Dental Checkup
Looking for a dental home in Prairie Village, KS? Our Chaney Dental team loves seeing new patients and would love to help you on your oral health journey. Besides offering preventive services to avoid cavities and keep your smile healthy, we offer a full range of other treatments. Please contact us to book an appointment!
