Cavities come from tooth decay, or damage to the tooth. This damage can affect the outer and inner layers of a tooth. When you eat foods with a lot of sugar—such as cereal, soda, candy, or fruits—it stays on your teeth until the bacteria in your mouth breaks it down into acids. These acids combine with your saliva, bacteria, and food particles to form plaque on your teeth. This plaque eats away at the outer layer, or enamel, of your teeth and eventually forms holes called cavities. If you’re suffering from tooth decay near Grand Rapids, look for a general dentistry office near you.
Can I Get a Cavity?
It’s possible for anyone to get a cavity. As people age, their gums begin to separate from their teeth, exposing the root to plaque. The tooth enamel can break down due to age, diet, and other medical conditions. One of the chief reasons a cavity forms is from a diet rich in sugars and high in carbohydrates. Be sure to use fluoride-based toothpaste and floss regularly to help prevent cavities.
Do I Have a Cavity?
Maintaining regular dental care is essential to preventing cavities. Your dentist will find any cavities or possible future cavities during your checkups. Heed your dentist’s advice when it comes to avoiding cavities. You might also notice a toothache after you eat or drink something cold, hot, or sweet. If you have an exceptionally bad cavity, you might see the hole in your tooth.
How Do I Get Rid of It?
In general dentistry, the best way of eradicating a cavity is to drill it. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and the hole is filled with gold, porcelain, silver, or a composite resin. This is a filling and is safe to be in your mouth. If the cavity has decayed the tooth too much, a dental crown might be used. Another possibility of cavity treatment is a root canal. Consult your dentist if you have any further questions about cavities and ways to prevent them.