What You Need to Know About Tooth Decay
People of all ages, and all levels of oral health, are at risk of cavities or tooth decay. In fact, it is one of the leading health problems in North America! What are cavities? Read on and take charge of your oral health.
Cavities
Dental caries, commonly called cavities, begin as bacteria on the teeth. Left uncleaned, the bacteria creates acid that erodes the outer tooth enamel causing tooth decay.
Often this early stage is not painful. It’s best to catch a cavity before it starts causing a tooth ache.
As the decay worsens, deeper cavities appear on the tooth. If left untreated, eventually the cavity will grow into your inner tooth layers – causing progressively more pain.
Certain food types and eating habits can lead to an increased risk of developing dental caries. Sugary or starchy foods, regular snacking, or acidic beverages all increase your risk of tooth decay.
The best defense against cavities is a good offence! Brushing, flossing, and regular professional dental cleanings will stop the progress of decay and help you maintain strong oral health.
Fillings
If a cavity has developed on your tooth than you will most likely need a tooth filling.
The tooth filling procedure goes like this:
- A dentist will assess the progress and depth of the cavity.
- Local anaesthetic (oral freezing) is applied.
- The cavity will be carefully cleaned out by your dentist.
- A naturally coloured dental resin is used to fill the cavity.
- The filling is quickly hardened and made strong under a special light.
Dental Fillings come in a variety of materials, one of the most popular being a naturally coloured porcelain resin. Some patients may prefer alternative materials such as gold. You and your dentist can decide together which material is right for you.
Do you hate oral freezing? Our dentists pre-warm the anaesthetic for your comfort. Many patients report they barely even felt it. You can also request freezing reversal to get feeling back to normal again faster.
Tooth fillings are a common dental procedure that have long-lasting benefits. It’s important to practice good at-home oral care and attend regular dental hygiene appointments. However, even those with great oral health can still develop cavities – cavities are not always an indication of poor dental care.
Prevention of Cavities
It’s always best to detect cavities early before they become painful for you. During your regular preventive cleaning appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth to see if anything suspicious is evident and make a recommendation.
Good brushing habits (twice a day), flossing, and regular dental cleanings from a hygienist are the best way to ensure that your teeth stay whole and healthy for as long as you need them.
Schedule your cleaning with Oak Street Dental today and win the battle against tooth decay! Call us at 250-479-6012 or complete our online form. Together we can make sure that your smile stays healthy and confident.
