"The Hidden Dangers of Neglecting Dental Cavities"

DENTAL CAVITIES: Why should they worry you?

There was one thing we all were warned about when we were kids: too many chocolates will rot your teeth. But that’s not true, there are many factors that cause dental cavities. The acid produced by harmful bacteria is just as much to blame.

Dental cavities are caused by the breakdown of tooth enamel. Your teeth hoard on harmful bacteria you consume sugary and acidic foods. When you practice poor oral hygienic practices and don’t take any preventive measures the result is more often than not dental cavities.

There are many factors that lead to the formation of bacteria, some of the most common factors are:

1. Eating habits- Frequent snacking of acidic and sugary foods

2. Location of your teeth- Your teeth at the back (molars and pre-molars) are harder to clean and are more likely to get cavities

3. Salivary flow- Saliva helps wash away food and plaque from the top layer of your teeth. Some of the substances in bacteria also help in countering the acid produced by the bacteria. Ant thus, dry mouth and lack of saliva can lead to cavity.

4. Poor oral hygiene- Inadequate brushing and not cleaning soon after eating or drinking makes your teeth vulnerable to cavities.

SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms vary from person to person, depending on the severity and location of the cavity. Initially, there are no discernible symptoms, but overtime there are some obvious signs that may indicate that you have cavity.

1. Discolouration of the tooth. You may find black, brown or white staining on the surface of the affected tooth

2. Sensitivity and pain that occurs while eating or drinking something hot or cold. They may also spontaneously without any cause

3. Visible holes in the surface of the teeth

4. In severe cases there might even be swelling

TREATMENT

The treatment differs according to the severity and extent of the cavity. Treatment options include simple filling, root canal treatment or extraction of tooth. While the filling treatment include filling the damaged area with tooth coloured composite resins and minerals, root canal treatment is done when the decay reaches the inner part (pulp) of your tooth. It involves removing the diseased pulp and replacing it with filling. In very severe cases of decay, where the decayed tooth cannot be salvaged in any way the entire tooth is extracted.

Here’s what you can do to prevent them:

1. Brush and floss thoroughly and regularly

2. Use mouth rinse or toothpaste with fluoride. You can also apply dental sealants to the teeth at the back

3. Visit your dentist regularly for cleaning and general oral exam to catch the cavities at its early stages

4. Make sure there is no food struck in between the grooves and pits of your teeth

---

For best care and treatments, schedule an appointment with Veeyes Dental Care. Call us at: 0422 438 3000 This blog is not a substitute for professional advice or diagnosis, it is only to promote general knowledge about dental health topics. Visit your dentist or a qualified healthcare provider for questions or doubts regarding any medical condition or treatment.