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Your lifestyle heavily influences the health of your teeth meaning, what you eat, how well you take care of your teeth and other choices are what can affect your teeth the most. Heredity can also play a role in how susceptible your teeth may be to decay. While cavities are generally more common among children, adults are also at risk. With proper dental hygiene and prevention, you can lower your risk of getting a cavity or tooth decay. Cavities are very serious and if left untreated, can destroy your tooth and kill the delicate nerves at its center. What are Cavities? Cavities are holes or structural damage in the teeth. It is also another way to describe tooth decay. Decay occurs when plaque combines with the sugars or starches of the food we eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel. Types of Cavities Include:
• Coronal Cavities - This is the most common type of cavity, occurring both in children and adults. Coronal cavities are usually located on chewing surfaces or between the teeth.
• Root Cavities - as you age, your gums recede, leaving parts of the tooth root exposed. These exposed roots are easily prone to decay.
• Recurrent Decay - decay can form around existing fillings and crowns because the areas may have a tendency to accumulate plaque.
Adults are especially at risk for cavities if they suffer from dry mouth which is a condition created by the lack of saliva. Dry mouth may be caused by illness, medications, radiation therapy and chemo therapy, and may be either temporary or permanent, depending on the cause. When you eat foods that contain carbohydrates, the bacteria in plaque thrive, producing acids that eat into the tooth. Over time, the tooth enamel begins to break down beneath the surface while the surface remains intact. When enough of the surface enamel is eaten away, the surface collapses, forming a cavity. Cavity Prevention You can help prevent cavities from forming by following a number of tips. Brush at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and below the gum line. Regular dental checkups are vital in maintaining proper dental hygiene as well because it is only your dentist who can diagnose a cavity in its earliest stage. Preventative care from your dentist can help stop problems from occurring and keep minor problems from becoming major ones. Additionally, eat a well- balanced diet by limiting starchy or sugary foods. When you do eat sugary or starchy foods, try to eat them with your meal rather than as a snack. This will minimize the number of times your teeth are exposed to acid. Treatment for a Cavity If you get a cavity, treatment can help to prevent tooth damage from worsening. Treatment for a cavity may involve fillings, crowns or root canals. Dentists fill teeth by removing the decayed tooth material with a drill and replace it with material such as porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain and composite resin match the natural tooth appearance better and may be preferred for your front teeth. Crowns or caps are used if the decay is extensive and there is limited tooth structure, while a root canal is recommended if the nerve in a tooth dies from decay or injury. Only your dentist can tell for sure if you do have a cavity because cavities develop below the tooth's surface where you can't see them. If you suspect you may have a cavity or are having dental concerns, consult your local Rockford dentist for a check-up. It is always important to visit your dentist with any concerns you may have in regards to your teeth. Your dentist will be able to access and diagnose your ailments, creating a treatment plan that will properly treat your dental problem.
Dr. Jeffrey Allen is a Rockford cosmetic dentist. Specializing in a wide variety of dental services and treatments, including fillings, dental cleanings and crowns, this experienced Rockford dentist is equipped to handle any dental need.
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