Cavities may seem to be pesky little complications at first, but they should be taken much more serious, as these small holes in your teeth will worsen over time and place your oral health at serious risk. Not to mention, this form of tooth decay is the most common preventable disease in both children and adults.
That’s why preventing them in the first place is a top priority, as it will do nothing but elevate the health of your smile and overall wellbeing. Let’s go over why cavities should always be prevented at all cost!
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The Concerns of Tooth Decay
Cavities are caused by tooth decay, which is the breakdown of your tooth enamel. This can happen when you don’t brush your teeth well or eat sugary foods. Cavities are not only detrimental to your dental health, but they can also lead to other serious health problems.Â
Tooth decay is a serious problem that can lead to a number of complications. If left untreated, tooth decay can cause an abscess, which is a serious infection of the gums. In some cases, the only way to treat an abscess is to have the tooth extracted.Â
Tooth decay can also cause the roots of your teeth to become infected. This can lead to serious pain and may require treatment with antibiotics, as the decay breaches the pulp layer of the tooth which contains sensitive nerves and blood vessels. If you have tooth decay, it is important to see a dentist so that you can get the treatment you need to avoid serious complications.
If left untreated, cavities will always continue their development putting you at risk to serious pain, infection, and even tooth loss. So, if you think you might have a cavity, be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible.Â
Take Brushing and Flossing Serious
When it comes to dental hygiene, brushing and flossing are essential for preventing cavities. By removing plaque and bacteria from the teeth, brushing and flossing help to keep the mouth clean and free of decay-causing agents.Â
Additionally, brushing and flossing also stimulate saliva production, which helps to protect the teeth by keeping them moist and lubricated. Saliva also contains minerals that can help to repair minor damage to tooth enamel.Â
For these reasons, it is important to brush and floss regularly, in order to maintain good oral health and prevent cavities.
What To Eat
Good oral hygiene is essential for keeping your teeth healthy and strong. But did you know that your diet can also play a role in preventing cavities? by choosing the right foods, you can help protect your teeth against decay. Here are some of the best cavity-fighting foods to include in your diet:Â
- Cheese: Cheese contains lactic acid, which can help reduce the number of cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth. It’s also a good source of calcium, which helps keep teeth strong.Â
- Yogurt: Like cheese, yogurt also contains lactic acid and calcium. It’s also a good source of probiotics, which can help fight tooth decay by reducing the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth.Â
- Green and black tea: Tea contains polyphenols, which can help control the growth of bacteria that cause cavities. Black tea also contains fluoride, which helps to strengthen teeth and prevent decay.
- Celery: Celery is a good source of fiber, which helps to clean teeth and gums by removing plaque and food debris. The crunchy texture can also help to scrub away bacteria.Â
- Water: Water helps to keep teeth clean and hydrated, preventing the growth of bacteria that cause cavities. It’s important to drink plain water, as sugary drinks can actually contribute to tooth decay.Â
By including these foods in your diet, you can help keep your teeth robust and ward off pesky cavities from developing!
Remember, foods that are high in sugar and starch are major culprits when it comes to cavity formation. The bacteria in your mouth thrive on these simple carbohydrates, and they produce acids as a by-product of digestion.Â
These acids then eat away at the enamel of your teeth, causing cavities. To help prevent cavities, cut down on sugary and starchy foods, and make sure to brush and using a fluoride mouthwash to help keep your teeth strong.Â
The Bottomline
If you are experiencing any form of pain, sensitivity, or discomfort throughout your teeth, it’s encouraged you visit your dental professional immediately. While cavities represent the earlier stages of tooth decay, if neglected it will undeniably worsen into a stage of tooth decay that’s much more painful and expensive to rectify!
Your dentist will be able to diagnose a cavity (or any stage of tooth decay) and recommend treatment, which may involve fillings, crowns, or root canals. Taking care of a cavity early on is vital to maintaining good oral health, so if you think you may have one, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your dentist.
