Cavities are considered a worldwide pandemic, especially in developed countries. However, the disease is treatable and preventable. Let’s discuss the ways to get rid of cavities.
The Good:
Cavities are preventable, and in the early stages, they are reversible.
Here are some ways to protect your teeth from cavities:
- There are many kinds of toothpaste available in the market; however, always go for the toothpaste with fluoride ions. Fluoride fills the enamel (the outermost hard layer of the teeth). Hence, the ions give the teeth protection against cavities by making them stronger.
- Many pieces of research have shown that vitamin-D and calcium possess anti-cavity properties. Hence, foods rich in these nutrients help maintain top-notch oral hygiene. Cheese and dairy products are an excellent source of both vitamin-D and calcium. However, several other foods, apart from those as mentioned earlier, can help prevent cavities. You can read about them here.
- Give up sugary food. Do you know what cavity-causing bacteria love the most? Sugar. If you eat sugary treats once in a blue moon, then cavities will not be an issue for you. However, if sugar is a regular part of your diet, consider cutting it down. After you treat yourself with sweet delicacies, remember to brush your teeth thoroughly.
However, if cavities still invade your teeth, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible. In the early stages of cavities, your dentist might recommend a fluoride treatment.
In fluoride treatment, you will have to apply fluoride-rich compounds, like gel, foam liquid, etc, on the affected area. You can schedule a dental checkup through https://www.baysidedentalandorthodontics.com.
The Bad:
Soon, if tooth decay has progressed beyond the early stages, you will need “fillings.” In this treatment, your dentist will fill the holes in the enamel with a synthetic material. The treatment aimed to cover up the damage also prevents further damage. Through fillings, you will get rid of cavities. The fillings are made from various materials like resin, porcelain, or dental amalgam.
The Ugly:
However, in the case of extensive decay, the situation gets ugly. When bacteria have eaten away most of the outer region of your tooth, you will need to change your tooth’s crown. Your dentist will drill out the decayed area. Furthermore, you will receive a crown replacement. There is also an option for a gold crown.
Still, if the decay is ignored, bacteria will reach the root pulp. Consequently, excruciating pain kicks in. Every passing hour will be extremely painful. Eventually, the pain will cause you to visit your dentist. Now, the dentist has two options:
- Root canal: Your dentist removes the damaged pulp and treats the root canal to clear away any infection. Then, they will repair your remaining tooth using fillings and an artificial crown.
- Tooth extraction: However, if the tooth is destroyed beyond repair, the cavities have won. Now, there is no alternative to complete tooth removal.
Hence, you can protect yourself from the trouble of cavities by regularly visiting your dentist!. To schedule an appointment, you can contact us today by calling 979-330-4113.