If you have personally had a cavity, then you probably know that a cavity is a hole in your tooth. This hole in your tooth is due to ongoing decay that progresses over time. However, did you know that 91% of all US adults have cavities? In order to understand if a cavity is truly permanent, it is important to understand the cause of cavities. To speak directly with your dentist in Cerritos about your dental exam and the permanence of cavities, contact Jesmine Boghawala DDS today.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
Since tooth decay is a direct cause of cavities, understanding what causes tooth decay is of the utmost importance. One of the main causes of progressive tooth decay is bacteria. In fact, it is estimated that there are some 6 billion active bacteria cultures in your mouth at any given time. Although there are some bacteria that are healthy and serve a purpose, the bad bacteria can directly impact cavities in your mouth. Another direct influence on cavities is sugary foods and drinks. One study conducted in Finland found that even as low as 1-2 sugar-sweetened beverages per day could result in a 31% higher risk of cavities. To ensure that you are taking care of your dental hygiene, make sure to brush daily, floss regularly, and limit excess sugary foods and drinks.
Are There Different Types of Cavities?
Yes, there are different types of cavities that can occur and are classified based on their location. The first type of cavity is a smooth surface cavity. As the name suggests, this type of cavity occurs on the smooth sides of your teeth. The next type of cavity is a root cavity, which develops over the roots of your teeth. The last type of cavity is a pit cavity, which is located on the chewing surface of your teeth. Since the location of the cavity can affect the severity of the tooth damage, it is important to schedule a dental exam at the first sign of pain or discoloration.
Booking a dental cleaning regularly will allow for a professional to see signs of tooth decay before it is irreversible. For more information on dental cleaning, signs of cavities, and treatments for tooth decay, contact the team at Jesmine Boghawala DDS.
Are Cavities Permanent?
The short answer is that not all cavities are truly permanent. According to experts, tooth decay can be stopped or reversed in the early stages. One sign of early tooth decay is by a white spot on your tooth or teeth. This is because when the tooth continues to lose minerals overtime, a white spot can appear in its place. It is most important to know that in the early stages, enamel can repair itself from fluoride in toothpaste and minerals from your saliva. However, if the tooth decay has progressed past the early stages, then it is likely that the cavity has done irreversible damage. If this is the case, then seeking treatment from a professional is of the utmost importance to ensure the tooth decay doesn’t continue to the point of needing a root canal.
How Can You Avoid Tooth Decay?
Aside from avoiding sugary foods, there are a few other practices that you should follow to avoid tooth decay. One recommendation is to use fluoride, which is known to prevent the progression of tooth decay. Another practice to implement is to limit snacking between meals and pay close attention to the amount of sugar in your diet. Third, make sure to always brush, and floss, at least twice a day to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Lastly, do not skip regular trips to your dentist in Cerritos for exams and cleanings. Implementing all of these practices will ensure that you actively avoid unnecessary tooth decay.
Dentist in Cerritos
Since cavities are preventable, it is important to prioritize your dental hygiene on a daily basis. It is also important to be educated on strategies to combat tooth decay throughout the cavity process to ensure you maintain healthy teeth. To get information directly from the experts on cavities and treatments, contact the team at Jesmine Boghawala DDS today.
