Tooth decay is a common public health concern that affects patients of all ages, from toddlers to adults. Most patients will experience some degree of tooth decay during their lifetime. Dentists recommend treatment early in development when it is most conservative.
If you don’t treat a cavity, it can infect the tooth’s root and may lead to a tooth extraction. Fuller Dental offers treatment options to restore a decayed tooth.
Did you know you can prevent tooth decay?
Preventing tooth decay requires good oral hygiene habits and regular visits to the dentist office. Visiting the dentist at least once every six months is key to preventing tooth decay. Professional teeth cleanings can reach deep into the gums and clean all tooth surfaces. The goal is to remove all the built-up plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach areas.
Brushing and flossing twice daily helps remove food from between the teeth. During your dental exam, we can provide you and your children with personalized oral hygiene tips.
Good oral hygiene habits help to prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar on the surface of teeth. Bacteria feed on plaque and tartar, creating acid that erodes tooth enamel. Once the enamel wears away, it can infect the inner pulp, which will then need treatment.
What Causes Cavities?
Cavities, known as tooth decay, are among the most common dental problems. They occur when the hard surface of your tooth (enamel) breaks down, leading to small holes or openings in the tooth. Several factors contribute to the formation of cavities, but the main cause is bacteria in your mouth.
Plaque Buildup
The primary cause of cavities is plaque buildup on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms when you consume food or drinks, especially those high in sugar and carbohydrates.
These bacteria feed on sugars and produce acid, which attacks the enamel. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque builds up. The acids in plaque wear down enamel and can lead to cavities over time. Over time, this can lead to cavities.
Sugary and Starchy Foods
Foods and drinks high in sugar and starch are major contributors to cavities. Sugary foods like candy, soda, and desserts provide an ideal food source for bacteria. Starchy foods, such as bread, pasta, and chips, also break down into sugars, feeding the bacteria in your mouth. The acids these bacteria produce weaken your enamel and increase the risk of developing cavities.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Neglecting daily oral care is a key factor in the development of cavities. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque builds up and stays on your teeth.
If you don’t remove plaque, it hardens into tartar. Tartar is harder to remove and allows bacteria to grow. This combination of plaque and tartar increases the likelihood of cavities.
Dry Mouth
Saliva plays an important role in protecting your teeth from cavities. It helps wash away food particles and bacteria while neutralizing the acids produced by plaque. When you have dry mouth, your body doesn’t produce enough saliva.
This can be due to dehydration, certain medications, or health conditions. As a result, plaque and bacteria can build up more easily, leading to cavities.
Frequent Snacking or Sipping
Frequent snacking or sipping sugary drinks throughout the day increases your risk of cavities. When you eat or drink something sugary or starchy, the bacteria in your mouth produce acid for about 20 minutes. If you snack or sip frequently, you expose your teeth to acid for longer periods. This weakens your enamel and makes cavities more likely.
Deep Grooves and Cracks in Teeth
Some people are more prone to cavities because of the natural shape of their teeth. Teeth with deep grooves, pits, or cracks can trap food particles and plaque more easily. These areas are harder to clean, even with regular brushing, which makes cavities more likely to form. Molars located at the back of your mouth often have deep grooves and are at a higher risk for cavities.
Worn Fillings or Dental Devices
Worn or damaged fillings and dental devices, such as braces or crowns, can also increase the risk of cavities. If fillings wear out or become loose, they can create gaps where plaque can accumulate. The same goes for dental devices that don’t fit properly. These areas are more difficult to clean and can lead to the development of cavities over time.
Acidic Foods and Drinks
Acidic foods and drinks, like citrus fruits, vinegar, and soda, can erode tooth enamel, making cavities easier to form. Even low-sugar foods can be acidic. This acidity can weaken enamel and make teeth more vulnerable to decay. Consuming these items in moderation and rinsing your mouth with water afterward can help reduce the risk.
Treatment for Dental Cavities
Fuller Dental offers a range of services to treat any stage of a tooth cavity. When caught early, we can treat tooth decay using a routine dental filling. A dental filling is a common treatment used in our Burlington, NC dentist office.
A dental filling can help restore a damaged tooth to normal function and shape. We offer a variety of dental fillings, including gold, amalgam, composite, and porcelain. One of our dentists will examine your teeth to determine which filling will work best for you.
The dentist may recommend porcelain restoration for teeth with larger cavities, such as an inlay, onlay, or dental crown. We can custom-design a dental crown to match the color of your natural teeth. It will help stabilize your tooth and protect it from further damage.
If you have a severe toothache, you may need a root canal. This will remove the diseased tissue from inside the tooth. Treatment for tooth decay will vary depending on the progression of the decay. Visiting the dentist at least twice yearly allows for early diagnosis and conservative treatment.
Dental Cavity FAQs
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems. Learn more about them by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
How long can cavities go untreated?
It’s important to get treatment as soon as possible, as they just continue to get worse. It only takes three to six months for a cavity to reach the interior pulp of your tooth. A dental filling won’t be enough to treat the decay when the infection reaches this stage. Depending on the severity, we’ll need to consider a root canal or even tooth extraction.
When is a cavity too far gone?
A severe infection requires more than a dental filling. When there are large holes in your teeth, you may need a dental crown to stabilize your tooth. If the decay is too advanced or your gums are too infected to support your teeth, extraction may be the solution. While we offer tooth replacement options, we must get your oral health on track first before exploring those options.
Do cavities get worse with age?
Cavities in seniors are becoming increasingly common. As we age, our gum tissue recedes more, exposing more of the soft part of your tooth. It’s easier for bacteria to get into this tooth area and eat through the protective layers.
How many cavities is normal?
The average adult gets at least three cavities in their lifetime. Typically, they have around three to four dental fillings in their mouths. Since cavities are so common, almost everyone you know has gotten at least one cavity.
How many cavities can I fill at the same time?
Technically, there’s no limit to the number of cavities we can fill in one appointment. But filling them takes a toll on your mouth and requires time to heal. We don’t want to do too many at once and overwhelm your body or its healing process. Typically, we don’t recommend getting more than four cavities filled in the same appointment.
Do I have a cavity?
Many different warning signs can indicate a cavity. There may be visual cues, like a darkened area on the tooth or an actual hole you can see. You may feel pain in that tooth or sensitivity when eating and drinking, especially with very hot or cold items.
If you have any of these symptoms, call our office immediately. Our diagnostic tools can confirm if you have a cavity.
Fuller Dental Addressing Your Dental Concerns
Fuller Dental offers dental care for your dental health concerns. Our dental care team helps to restore your smile by addressing dental concerns from common to complex. We can whiten discolored teeth and repair damaged or missing ones. Our team can help you enjoy a healthier, more beautiful smile.
If you are looking for a compassionate, experienced dental team in the Burlington, NC region, contact Fuller Dental or request an appointment online.