One in four adults have cavities, so it's likely that you may become a part of this statistic. Because of this, it is important to know all about cavities and how your dentist in North Vancouver can help you treat them.
Read on to discover everything you need to know about this dental issue.
What Is a Cavity?
A cavity, or tooth decay, is when the hard surface of your teeth develops tiny openings or holes and becomes damaged. The longer these openings are untreated, the deeper the decay gets, causing the area to become more damaged and painful.
Causes of Cavities
There are many factors that cause cavities to form. One of the most common causes of cavities is not properly brushing your teeth after consuming sugary drinks or snacks. When sugar sits on your teeth for too long, it can make the surface wear down and cause cavities to form.
Other causes of cavities include bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, and not brushing your teeth on a regular basis.
Symptoms of Cavities
Cavities may take a while to present symptoms, but you shouldn't ignore them once they appear. Here are just a few of the most common signs that you may have a cavity:
- Tooth pain
- Tooth sensitivity
- Pain when eating hot or cold foods
- Holes in your teeth
- Staining on teeth
- Sensitivity to sweets
These symptoms don't always indicate a cavity, but they can still be serious. If you have any sort of tooth-related pain, then make a visit to your dentist.
How Are Cavities Treated?
Tooth cavities treatment varies depending on how serious your cavity is. These are the most common treatment options:
Fluoride Treatment
If you catch your cavity early enough, you may just need a fluoride treatment to be brushed onto your teeth. This will plug up the holes, allowing them to heal on their own.
Fillings
Dental fillings are used when there is a little more damage to the tooth. Your dentist will use dental instruments to remove the decayed tooth tissue and replace it with a filling material.
Crowns
A crown is when your dentist will create a custom covering that replaces your entire natural crown. They will drill away the affected area to ensure the decay is completely gone.
Root Canal
If your cavity has reached the inner part of your tooth, then you may have to get a root canal. This is where your dentist will take out your diseased tooth pulp and replace it with a filling. You can read more about our root canal treatments on this page.
How to Prevent Cavities
The first step to preventing cavities is to keep up with your regular dental checkups. Your dentist can point you in the right direction if it looks like you aren't brushing or flossing properly.
In addition to these checkups, make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day and stay away from too many high-sugar or processed foods.
Visit a Dentist in North Vancouver Today
If you feel as though you might have a cavity, then contact a dentist in North Vancouver immediately to prevent further damage.
Here at IQ Dental, we can help you with any of your oral health needs. Feel free to check out our page for more information on what you will experience in our office.
