Tooth decay, also known as a cavity or dental carries, is a condition that develops when plaque and bacteria remain on the teeth for long periods of time. It is one of the most common dental problems worldwide and can lead to pain, infection, abscesses and tooth loss when not treated.

Tooth decay is most often caused by poor oral hygiene or a sugary diet. If you are not brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, the bacteria in your mouth will feed on the sugars and carbohydrates that cling to your teeth, developing first into plaque and eventually into a harder substance known as calculus or tartar. This can then lead to tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. It can also cause you to experience tooth sensitivity and discomfort.

Here are a few tips on how you can prevent cavities:

• Brush at least twice a day and floss daily. We recommend using a fluoridated toothpaste.
• Keep all your regular dental appointments. These checkups every six months help keep your mouth healthy and allow our dentists to monitor your oral health and quickly treat any problems that may develop.
• Ask our dentists about preventive treatments such as dental sealants and fluoride.
• Monitor and minimize your intake of sugary and starchy foods. This will help reduce the amount of harmful bacteria and acids in your mouth.
• Use an antibacterial mouth rinse.
• If you chew gum, choose kinds that contain xylitol. Xylitol is a naturally occurring substance that reduces bacterial growth and helps strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.

If you do develop a cavity, our dentists can provide you with a treatment to repair the damage and restore your smile. Depending on the size of the cavity and the amount of damage to your tooth, your treatment may be a dental filling, a dental crown or a root canal.

If you have any questions about cavities and would like to learn more about cavity prevention, please contact our office today.