What are they and how to remove them? cavities?
Cavities are the permanent destruction of teeth caused by the acids of bacteria found in plaque. The damage is so severe that they produce holes in the tooth enamel.
Usually, when someone suffers from toothache and tooth sensitivity it is because they have cavities.
Faced with this, many people wonder, how to eliminate cavities? To eliminate cavities, first of all, it is essential to go to the dentist so that he can examine the teeth and look at x-rays, in this way he can know the degree of cavities and deterioration that exist. Once cavities have been detected, the dentist will decide on the treatment to remove them depending on the severity. These treatments are:
- Fluoride treatment: If tooth decay is in its early stages, fluoride is effective in restoring tooth enamel and generally reversing damage. This treatment can be liquid, gel, foam or varnish and is applied by brushing or through a small tray that is adjustable to the teeth.
- Filling: When tooth decay has progressed beyond the first stage, where fluoride is no longer useful for treating it, fillings are the primary option. These are made from different materials such as resin or porcelain.
- Crown: When decay has advanced and the tooth is very weak, a dental crown is necessary to replace the natural crown of the tooth. These can be made of porcelain, resin or other materials.
- Endodontics: When the appearance of caries reaches the inner part of the tooth, that is, the pulp, endodontics is necessary to repair the damaged tooth and avoid its extraction. This pulp is replaced by a filling.
- Extraction of teeth: Some cavities are so severe that restoration would not be sufficient, so extraction is necessary.
Tooth decay is caused by a diet high in sugar. Sweet foods contribute to the formation of acids and bacteria that demineralize tooth enamel. Also, not brushing your teeth encourages the production of bacteria and the formation of plaque.
If you notice any signs of cavities, it is best to go to the dentist, since the sooner it is treated, the more likely it is to reverse the early stages and prevent their progression.
Types of cavities
Both children and adults are at risk of developing cavities. These are classified according to their type:
- Crown caries: are the most frequent. They appear on the dental surface or between the teeth.
- Root caries: They occur due to age, as the gums recede with the passage of time and the root of the tooth is exposed to be easily affected.
- Recurrent caries: They form on existing fillings and crowns due to the accumulation of dental plaque in these areas.
How to prevent cavities?
To prevent the appearance of cavities and maintain good oral health, it is essential to follow these recommendations:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
- Use products that contain a significant concentration of fluoride, including toothpaste.
- Floss and rinse daily to remove plaque buildup between your teeth.
- Attend regular check-ups at the dentist. Preventive care will help detect cavities in time.
- Maintain a balanced diet low in starches and sugars. If you do eat sweet foods, do so with meals and not between meals, thus significantly minimizing the number of times your teeth are exposed to acid produced by bacteria.
- Chew more to promote saliva production.
If cavities are not treated in time, you not only run the risk of serious damage to your teeth and even loss, but also of increasing the risk of further cavities in healthy teeth.
The initial stage of tooth decay is painless and silent, which is why it is important to attend regular check-ups at the dentist to detect them in time and stop their development. At Oral Studio we are a dental clinic in Medellín that works with the best materials and the best technology to create your best smile.
Contact us now and schedule your appointment to take care of your oral health. Remember that we are experts in creating high-quality smiles.
