Harmful oral bacteria feed on sugar and excrete acid that erodes dental enamel, which makes up the outermost layer of the teeth. Unfortunately, enamel will not heal itself after being damaged, and a destructive infection such as a cavity can lead to an agonizing toothache or permanent tooth loss. Here’s a quick guide to how cavities form, how they can be prevented or treated, and how you may be able to tell if you have one in a hard-to-see area of your smile.
How Do Cavities Form?
If a person overindulges in sweets or does not practice excellent oral hygiene, the resulting accumulation of sugary residue will feed destructive microbes that cause painful oral infections. These germs will produce acid as a metabolic byproduct, resulting in enamel erosion and cavities. Harmful oral bacteria also cause a host of other issues like gum disease and bad breath.
How Can Cavities Be Addressed?
The best way to prevent cavities is to limit your intake of sugary items while adhering to a rigorous daily oral hygiene regimen including brushing, flossing, and antibacterial mouthwash. If a cavity has already formed, however, the infection will have to be treated by a qualified dentist. If the infection is relatively mild, they will probably be able to address it with a filling that will eliminate the compromised dental structure and reinforce the tooth. However, severe cases may require root canals or tooth extractions.
How Can I Tell if I Have a Cavity Between My Teeth?
Cavities between the teeth can be especially difficult to see, and they are often first detected during routine dental exams or when the infection reaches the structure beneath the enamel, resulting in pain or sensitivity. However, you may be able to detect such a cavity at home if you find that your dental floss consistently breaks when cleaning between the same two teeth. This may be due to the jagged edges of the enamel cutting through the thread.
Routine oral exams at your dentist’s office are crucial to preserving your dental and overall health. The American Dental Association recommends seeing your dentist for a checkup every six months so infections like cavities can be detected and resolved in their early stages.
About the Author
Dr. Yonatan Pevzner earned his dental degree at SUNY Buffalo Dental School, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. He has completed over 500 hours of postgraduate coursework and is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Texas Dental Association. His office in Austin offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you’d like to schedule a checkup, contact his office online or dial (737) 367-3813.