A cavity is a decay in your tooth. A cavity develops when a tooth decays and develops a hole that grows bigger and deeper over time. Everyone is susceptible to tooth decay.
If a cavity is large and deep, food particles can become trapped in it.
Cavities are also called dental caries.
Symptoms of Cavities
The most common symptom is a toothache.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is heavily influenced by what we eat, how well we take care of our teeth, and the presence of fluoride in our water and toothpaste. Heredity also plays a role in tooth decay.
Types of Cavities
There are three main types of cavities: Coronal, root, and recurrent decay.
- Coronal cavities are the most common type of cavity. They occur in children and adults. Coronal cavities usually are located on chewing surfaces or between the teeth.
- Root cavities occur on the root of the tooth when part of the tooth's root is exposed.
- Recurrent decay is decay that forms around existing fillings and crowns.
Risk of developing a Cavity
People who have Dry Mouth are more likely to get cavities. Dry mouth may be caused by illness, medications, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Depending on its cause, Dry Mouth may be either temporary or permanent.
Treatment options for Cavities
Cavities can be treated by a dentist. Cavities are very serious. If left untreated, a cavity can destroy your tooth and cause infection in the tooth.
Can Cavities be prevented?
Yes. The following steps can help you prevent cavities:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Floss everyday.
- Have regular dental checkups.
- Eat a well-balanced diet. Diets that limit starchy or sugary foods are helpful in fighting cavities.
What are dental sealants?
Sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
Sealants are put on in dentists' offices, clinics, and sometimes in schools. Getting sealants put on is simple and painless. Sealants are painted on as a liquid and quickly harden to form a shield over the tooth.
How are sealants put on?
- The tooth is cleaned.
- The tooth is dried, and cotton is put around the tooth so it stays dry.
- A solution is put on the tooth that makes the surface a little rough. (It is easier for the sealant to stick to a slightly rough surface.)
- The tooth is rinsed and dried. Then new cotton is put around the tooth so it stays dry.
- The sealant is applied in liquid form and hardens in a few seconds.
- The sealant is in place.
Why get sealants?
The most important reason for getting sealants is to avoid tooth decay.
Fluoride in toothpaste and in drinking water protects the smooth surfaces of teeth but back teeth need extra protection. Sealants cover the chewing surfaces of the back teeth and keep out germs and food.
Having sealants put on teeth before they decay will also save time and money in the long run by avoiding fillings, crowns, or caps used to fix decayed teeth.
What causes tooth decay?
Germs in the mouth use the sugar in food to make acids. Over time, the acids can make a cavity in the tooth.
Of course a healthy tooth is the best tooth. So it is important to prevent decay. That's why sealants are so important.
Why do back teeth decay so easily?
The chewing surfaces of back teeth are rough and uneven because they have small pits and grooves. Food and germs can get stuck in the pits and grooves and stay there a long time because toothbrush bristles cannot brush them away.
Who should get sealants?
Children should get sealants on their permanent molars as soon as the teeth come in -- before decay attacks the teeth.
The first permanent molars -- called "6 year molars" -- come in between the ages of 5 and 7.
The second permanent molars -- "12 year molars" -- come in when a child is between 11 and 14 years old.
Other teeth with pits and grooves also might need to be sealed.
Teenagers and young adults who are prone to decay may also need sealants.
Should sealants be put on baby teeth?
Your dentist might think it is a good idea, especially if your child's baby teeth have deep pits and grooves.
Baby teeth save space for permanent teeth. It is important to keep baby teeth healthy so they don't fall out early.
Does insurance pay for sealants?
Some health insurance programs pay for sealants. Check with your state Medicaid program or your insurance company for details.
How long do sealants last?
Sealants can last up to 10 years. But they need to be checked at regular dental check-ups to make sure they are not chipped or worn away. The dentist or dental hygienist can repair sealants by adding more sealant material.
What if a small cavity is accidentally covered by a sealant?
The decay will not spread, because it is sealed off from its food and germ supply.
Are sealants new?
No, sealants have been around since the 1960s. Studies by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and others led to the development of dental sealants and showed that they are safe and effective.
But many people still do not know about sealants. In fact, fewer than 25 percent of children in the United States have sealants on their teeth.
Besides sealants, are there other ways to prevent tooth decay?
Yes. Using fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water can help protect teeth from decay.
Water is fluoridated in about two-thirds of cities and towns in the United States. If your water is not fluoridated or if your children's teeth need more fluoride to stay healthy, a dentist can prescribe it in the form of a gel, mouth rinse, or tablet.
Fluoride is the best defense against tooth decay!
Fluoride...
- makes teeth more resistant to decay
- repairs tiny areas of decay before they become big cavities
- makes germs in the mouth less able to cause decay
Fluoride helps the smooth surfaces of the teeth the most. It is less effective on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Regular brushing -- with fluoride toothpaste -- also helps prevent tooth decay.
Sealants and fluoride together can prevent almost all tooth decay.
How can I get dental sealants for my children?
Talk to your dentist, state or local dental society, or health department. Sometimes sealants are put on at school. Check with your school about whether it has a sealant program.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is often described as a sneaky disease because you may have it and not be aware of it.
Gum Disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
The most common signs of gum disease are:
- Gum Recession
- Spaces Between the Teeth that Weren't there Before
- Bleeding Gums
- Discoloration of gums
- Bad Breath that won't go away
- Reddened Gums
- Loose Teeth
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease is usually caused by a buildup of plaque. Plaque is an invisible sticky layer of germs that forms naturally on the teeth and gums. Plaque contains bacteria, which produce toxins that irritate and damage the gums.
When there is an excess of bacteria, the bacteria can cause the gums to become infected. Infection leads to gum disease.
Treatment options for Gum Disease
Some of the common treatment options for gum disease are antibiotics and surgery. Your dentist will discuss which option is best for you.
Can Gum Disease be spread to my family?
Gum disease can be spread to spouses and children. This usually occurs if the spouse and children are already susceptible to gum disease.
The Risk Factors for Gum Disease
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Genetically-Reduced Resistance to Gum Disease
- Brush Correctly
- Brush your teeth for 3 minutes
- When you brush, position the head of the toothbrush toward your gums at a 45 degree angle. Move the brush back and forth gently in short strokes.
- Eat teeth damaging foods sparingly
- Popcorn kernels, frozen candy bars, and ice cubes can crack your teeth
- Carbonated drinks erode tooth enamel
- Coffee and tea stain your teeth
- Floss daily
- Use an electronic toothbrush
- Use your teeth only for chewing food
- Cracking nut shells, chewing pen caps and tearing off clothing tags can crack enamel, dislodge fillings or loosen teeth
- Don't smoke
- Smokers are 4 times more likely to develop gum disease than non smokers
- Don't clinch or grind teeth
- The pressure from clinching or grinding can add an additional 250 pounds of pressure per square inch of teeth.
- Clinching and grinding causes premature receding of gums and accelerates gum disease
- Know the side effects of Medicines
- Side effects of some medicines indirectly affect your dental health
- Don't ignore other health problems
- Some stomach conditions like gastrointestinal reflux disease can erode tooth enamel
- Exercise Cautiously
- If necessary, wear a mouth guard to protect teeth
- See a dentist twice a year
- A dentist can help you detect dental problems and fix them before they get worse.
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