Dental Cavities: What Everyone Should Know

Posted on: 15 May 2017

There are a number of misconceptions that people have about cavities. These misconceptions can lead to them ignoring treatments that could protect them against tooth loss. It could also save them money if they knew better. This is because chances are that the longer cavities are overlooked there will likely be more extensive efforts required to salvage the affected teeth. The following points will help you to understand more about cavities and what you can do to protect your teeth against them.

Dental Exams

One of your best defenses against cavities is ensuring that you get your dental exams performed at the intervals recommended by your dentist. You might have to see your dentist more frequently if you have certain health conditions. For example, pregnant women may need to see their dentists more during their pregnancies. This is often due to the effects that pregnancy can have on teeth and gums. Dental exams can help to detect cavities that would otherwise not be apparent. Some cavities do not present themselves as discolorations. This means that if you are relying on looking in your own mouth to identify decay, you might be overlooking recent decay.

Dental Hygiene

You can also protect yourself against cavities by having good oral hygiene habits. The basic things you can do at home are tooth brushing and flossing. You also need to ensure that you go to your dentist for dental cleanings. These are generally performed at the same time as dental exams. Dental cleanings are thorough cleanings that can remove hardened tartar from teeth. If tartar is allowed to stay on teeth, it can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that activate decay.

Cavity Treatments

If dentists identify early decay, it is possible to treat cavities without needing to take more aggressive measures. Advanced decay may need to be treated with dental fillings or dental crowns. Sometimes root canals need to be performed prior to dental crown placements. Some people wait too late to get decayed teeth treated. These individuals face the grim reality of getting their teeth extracted. In some cases, the rotten teeth fall out naturally. Missing teeth can be replaced with prosthetic teeth such as dental implants or dental bridges.

A dentist is a good resource to use to understand more about cavities. They can also help you to learn more ways you can protect your teeth against cavities. For example, dental sealants are a good preventative measure against enamel erosion and decay.

For more information on choosing the best dentist office near you, click here!

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Anyone who provides a service specifically for the youngest among us knows that treating kids must be approached very differently from treating adults. Children are not like adult patients. They require a dental team that makes children feel safe and secure at every appointment. The pediatric dental staff also needs to understand how to work with parents as well as young patients. As a pediatric dental hygienist and a mom, I understand that specific needs of children when they are visiting the dentist. This blog will explain exactly what kids need from a dental staff and will give options for making the dental office a welcoming environment to children. We can give a whole new generation healthy smiles by making pediatric dentistry the best it can be.