Would you be surprised to learn that cavities are among the most common diseases, second only after the common cold? As widespread as tooth decay is, it is really easy to prevent for most people.
By combining diligent brushing and flossing with a nutritious diet and routine teeth cleanings and exams, patients in Aurora can prevent most cavities from developing and damaging their oral health.
How a Cavity in Your Tooth Develops
Understanding how and why a cavity develops helps you take steps to prevent it from occurring in the first place.
A sticky film called plaque adheres to your teeth and is comprised of saliva, food particles, and bacteria. When you consume sugars or starches, these bacteria produce acid as a byproduct. If you brush routinely, you remove most harmful bacteria; if not, the cavity-producing process begins.
The acid penetrates the tooth enamel and progresses until it reaches the layer of soft dentin beneath it. You may or may not experience a toothache, but at this point, a small filling would be all that’s needed to restore the tooth.
If you don’t seek cavity treatment with your Aurora dentist, the acid eats away at the tooth until it reaches the dental pulp deep inside it. Since pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, this can be very painful, and the only treatment option left is a root canal to save the tooth.
Avoid Cavities with Brushing, Flossing, and a Healthy Diet
There are several easy steps that everyone can take to avoid tooth decay. Your oral hygiene routine should include brushing at least twice a day and flossing once to eliminate cavity-causing plaque and acid. Limit starches and sweets in your diet as both contribute to tooth decay.
Make and keep routine dental cleaning and exam appointments every six months or as recommended by your South Aurora dentist. They can detect cavities in their earliest stages and provide prompt treatment to protect your smile.
Schedule a Dental Exam in Aurora, CO
If you are due for your next dental checkup or think you might have a cavity, call Uptown Comprehensive Dentistry and Prosthodontics for an appointment.