Do you know enamel is the hardest substance in the human body? However, it is susceptible to dental caries or cavities, formed via acid produced by the bacteria.
Tooth decay can happen to anyone at any time. It does not only cause pain but lead to severe infection or tooth loss. It is one of the common diseases among the people in the USA and across the world.
This article is an informative guide where you will find the important details on frequently asked questions about tooth cavities.
What is meant by the cavity?
Cavities or tooth decay is the most common health problem across the globe. A cavity is a small hole in the outer layer (enamel) of a tooth. It’s permanent damage to the hard surface of teeth in forms of tiny holes. Usually, cavities start small, and later on, it becomes bigger if they are untreated.
Sometimes a cavity does not cause pain in the initial stage, so it’s difficult to realize a problem exists. A regular dental check-up is an optimal way to recognize the tooth cavity and start early treatment.
What are the signs of having a cavity?
The signs of tooth decay or cavity differs from person to person. The symptoms also vary, based on the location and size of the cavity. You may not have all the signs if the cavity is just forming.
Here is the list of symptoms & signs of having a cavity
- Tooth sensitivity
- Dark spot or hole on tooth
- Stain on the surface of the tooth
- Toothaches
- Bad breath
- Pus formation
- Pain while you chew or bite
- Swelling on gums
What causes dental cavities?
Dental cavities are caused by plaque, which is a combination of bacteria, acid, food particles, and saliva. Here is the list of the reasons that causes dental cavities
- Poor oral Hygiene
- Dry mouth
- Bad eating and drinking habits
- Plaque formation
- Not getting enough amount of fluoride
What are the facts about cavities?
If you have tooth decay or you want to prevent it, you should know the facts about Cavities.
- Tooth decay is the second most common disease following a common cold
- More than 300 types of bacteria can form dental plaque
- Too much frequent snacking is one of the major causes of tooth decay
- People who drink 3 or more sodas a day are vulnerable to cavities
- Flossing cleans tooth surface and lowers the chances of tooth decay
- Fluoride makes enamel more immune to acid attacks, so helps in preventing cavities
- Each year tooth decay causes pain and disabilities to millions of Americans
- Most people do not brush twice a day. This increases the risk of tooth decay.
What are the ways to get rid of cavities?
Prevent dental cavities before it forms and leads to tooth extraction. Good oral or dental hygiene is essential to avoid cavities. Maintain your oral health in order to get rid of dental cavities.
Here is the list of the simple remedies to get rid of cavities.
Brush with fluoride toothpaste
Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste. Preferably, brush after you wake up and before you go to bed after the last meal of the day. This practice will prevent the formation of bacteria so that the chances of cavities are reduced.
Mouth Wash
Prevent cavities by using a fluoride containing mouthwash. Use the mouthwash that has antibacterial components that will help to eliminate bacteria that cause cavities.
Eat healthy foods
Healthy eating habit does not only helps to prevent cavities but also improves overall health. Eat a nutritious meal and avoid too much consumption of snacks. If possible, pass on carbohydrates such as candy, chips, sugary foods, etc. If you have consumed sticky food, brush your teeth or use mouthwash right after eating to avoid cavities.
Regular dental checkup
A regular dental visit for an oral examination and professional cleaning also helps in preventing cavities.
What are the reasons for tooth decay in children?
The causes of tooth decay are the same in adults or children. However, children are more vulnerable to tooth decay as they are more likely to consume sugary foods and beverages. As mentioned earlier, tooth decay is a combination of bacteria, acid, food particles, and saliva which forms plaque.
Following are the reasons for tooth decay in children
- Poor Oral hygiene
- Presence of the high levels of bacteria in the mouth
- Diet with high sugar and starch
- Consumption of sugary drinks
- Water supply with a low amount of fluoride
- Less saliva flow, etc.
How to treat cavity pain?
The causes of tooth decay are the same in adults or children. However, children are more vulnerable to tooth decay as they are more likely to consume sugary foods and beverages. As mentioned earlier, tooth decay is a combination of bacteria, acid, food particles, and saliva which forms plaque.
A tooth cavity needs proper treatment, otherwise, it can lead to serious dental problems. If you have or know someone with cavity pain, perform these remedies to treat cavity pain.
Cold compress
The easiest method to relieve cavity pain. You can use a cold compressor inside or outside of the mouth area that has tooth decay.
Saltwater rinse
It is an effective first-line treatment. As a natural disinfectant, saltwater helps to reduce inflammation on the tooth. Also, it loosens the food particles, or debris stuck between teeth or gums. Thus, warm salt water reduces cavity pain.
Pain-killer medicines
Over the counter, pain relief medicines help to reduce inflammation of the cavities. It works best to reduce cavity pain. However, consult your doctor before taking the high dose medicine to treat cavity pain.
Clove oil
It has antiseptic and anesthetic properties so that it is helpful to reduce cavity pain. Soak a little cotton swab into clove oil, and place it to the affected area to reduce the pain.
Appointment with the dentist
Fix an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible to treat cavity pain appropriately. A dentist can examine the affected tooth, and suggest further treatment for the cavity.
Hence, you should go for routine dental check-ups regularly to avoid dental caries. Get the appropriate treatment before the cavity leads to other serious dental problems or tooth loss. If you have dental caries or other dental problems, fix your appointment at TrueCare Dentistry, Roswell, GA.
The causes of tooth decay are the same in adults or children. However, children are more vulnerable to tooth decay as they are more likely to consume sugary foods and beverages. As mentioned earlier, tooth decay is a combination of bacteria, acid, food particles, and saliva which forms plaque.