Cavities can happen even to the best of us

Everyone gets them eventually. Whether it’s because we ate too much Halloween candy or because we stopped flossing thinking that cavities “wouldn’t happen” to us.

The hard truth is, cavities can happen to anyone, but the occurrence rate dramatically increases for those who don’t brush twice a day, floss daily, and attend regular appointments with a dentist.

Cavities (sometimes called tooth decay) develop when sugars and carbohydrates from food and drink left on and between your teeth produce harmful acids that destroy the tooth structure. If your teeth are left unchecked, a hole will occur in the enamel, and a cavity will form.

Needless to say, cavities are not ideal to have on your teeth, and it’s essential that you get them taken care of as soon as possible to prevent further destruction.

Cavity symptoms you shouldn’t ignore

Surprise!

Early cavities can be painless, and most people don’t know they have them until they’ve progressed. As the decay advances and destroys more of the tooth structure, you may develop uncomfortable sensations to

• Sweets
• Cold
• Heat
• And possibly pressure

Further advancement of cavity symptoms in the tooth can cause severe pain and tooth infection, which leads to the need for a root canal or extraction of the tooth.

If you are experiencing any tooth pain, it is critical that you contact a dentist immediately.

Cavity treatment at Kennerly Dental

Early detection with digital X-rays and laser-assisted cavity detection help to eliminate potential problems with deeper and larger cavities.

Our experienced hygienists and dentists pride themselves on early cavity detection and treatment to prevent further tooth destruction.

When a cavity is caught on time, usually a filling will correct the problem. Larger cavities may require an inlay or a crown.

If you are diagnosed with a cavity, it’s important that you schedule an appointment immediately for treatment.

When you come into an appointment at Kennerly Dental for tooth decay treatment, we’ll use the following proven procedures:

• Fluoride treatments: Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay and can sometimes repair teeth in the very early stages of decay. Professional fluoride treatment can help prevent tooth decay since the fluoride preparation at a dental office is much stronger than in toothpaste or mouthwashes you get from a store.Fluoride treatments take only a few minutes and may be applied in the form of a solution, gel, foam, or varnish. After the treatment, it is recommended that you don’t eat or drink for at least 30 minutes to allow your teeth to absorb the fluoride.
• Tooth sealants: Dental sealants are placed in the pits and fissures of your teeth, creating a smooth surface that is easy to clean. They are typically used in children who are at a higher risk of tooth decay.

At this time, ozone and silver diamine fluoride (SDF) treatment are inefficient in halting & reversing tooth decay.

How can I prevent cavities?

Cavities are mainly prevented through a patient’s proper home care, including regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing with proper technique, and regular dental cleanings.

Hand in hand with regular brushing and flossing, you can further prevent cavities by avoiding food and drinks with high sugar content.

If you combine sugary food and beverages with poor oral home care, you increase the risk of cavities dramatically.

Some food and drinks to avoid:

• Non-diet carbonated soft drinks contain high amounts of sugar which will cause tooth decay. Both regular and diet sodas have a very acidic pH which destroys the enamel of your teeth.
• Energy drinks and bottled iced teas and lemonades are very sugary too and should be avoided to prevent tooth decay.
• Fruit juice and sports drinks can cause problems for your teeth, especially if they have sugar added to them.
• Sugary candies and sweets that stay in your mouth like lollipops, caramels, and hard candies should be avoided to prevent cavities. A good rule to follow is that if the food is sticky, then it will stick to your teeth too.
• Desserts like cookies and cake which have a high amount of sugar will lead to tooth decay.
• Starchy foods like chips, bread, pasta, or crackers can be as harmful as candy for your teeth. The starches made from white flour can linger on your teeth and break down into sugars which can cause tooth destruction and decay.

At Kennerly Dental, our friendly staff comes to work with a “Patient First” attitude. We recognize that every person deserves individualized dental care specific to their dental needs. The Kennerly Dental team can give you tips for improving your home dental care during your appointment.

Call us to make an appointment with our experienced staff today