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Can you get cavities on any of your teeth? Absolutely. Cavities can form when you neglect essential oral care practices like regular brushing and flossing, indulge in sugary foods, or skip visits to the dentist. These tiny holes in your teeth are a common dental problem faced by people worldwide and are one of the most frequent issues dentists address. While a small cavity might seem harmless, ignoring it can lead to more severe problems such as infections, pain, or even the loss of the affected tooth. Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to spot and treat cavities early on, preventing further damage. Getting a cavity filled not only stops bacteria from penetrating deeper into your tooth but also helps maintain overall oral health. Interestingly, a cavity is also known as a “carie” or “decay.” By sticking to a consistent oral hygiene routine, you may never have to worry about hearing these terms during your dental visits. Prevention is the key, and here are some tips to keep in mind.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is a Cavity?
A cavity is a small hole that forms in the hard surface of your tooth due to decay. This decay is caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks, and not cleaning your teeth well. When you consume foods and drinks high in sugar, the bacteria in your mouth produce acid that gradually erodes your tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Cavities can occur at any age and in any of your teeth, but they are most common in children, teenagers, and older adults. Left untreated, a cavity can penetrate deeper into the tooth, reaching the inner layers and causing pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
Signs That You Have a Cavity
Recognizing the signs of a cavity early can help you seek treatment before the problem worsens. Here are some common signs that you might have a cavity:
Pain While Eating Hot or Cold Foods
If you experience sharp or lingering pain when consuming hot or cold foods or drinks, it could be a sign that a cavity is developing. The exposure of the inner layers of your tooth, where the nerves reside, can cause sensitivity to temperature changes.
Sudden Toothache
A spontaneous toothache, without an apparent cause, is a strong indicator of a cavity. This pain might come and go, but it’s often a sign that decay has progressed to the inner part of the tooth.
Pain While Biting
If biting into food causes discomfort or pain, it could mean that the decay has weakened the structure of your tooth, making it sensitive to pressure.
Tooth Sensitivity
A cavity can make your teeth more sensitive overall. If you notice a sudden increase in sensitivity, especially when eating or drinking, it could be due to a cavity.
Noticeable Dark or White Spots
Cavities often start as small white or dark spots on the surface of your teeth. These spots indicate that the enamel is beginning to break down, and decay is setting in.
Visible Holes
As the cavity progresses, you may notice small holes or pits in your teeth. These holes are a clear sign that decay has caused significant damage.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to visit your dentist promptly. Early intervention can prevent the cavity from worsening and save you from more extensive dental procedures down the line.
What Causes Cavities?
Understanding the causes of cavities can help you take steps to prevent them. Here are some common causes:
Bacteria
Your mouth naturally contains bacteria, some of which produce acids that can erode tooth enamel. These bacteria thrive on the sugars and starches in the food you eat, leading to cavities.
Sugary and Starchy Foods
Consuming foods high in sugar and starches, such as candy, bread, and soda, provides fuel for cavity-causing bacteria. The more often you eat these foods, the more acid is produced, increasing your risk of cavities.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Failing to brush and floss regularly allows plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, to build up on your teeth. Plaque produces acid that can erode enamel and lead to cavities.
Lack of Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. If you’re not using fluoride toothpaste or drinking fluoridated water, your teeth may be more susceptible to cavities.
Dry Mouth
Saliva plays a crucial role in washing away food particles and neutralizing acids. If you have a dry mouth, you may be more prone to cavities due to reduced saliva production.
Symptoms That Increase the Risk of Cavities
Certain conditions and habits can increase your risk of developing cavities. Here are some factors to be aware of:
Dry Mouth Syndrome
A dry mouth, whether due to medication, medical conditions, or aging, reduces saliva production, which helps protect teeth from decay.
Insufficient Fluoride
Without adequate fluoride, your teeth are more vulnerable to decay. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and repair early signs of damage.
Frequent Vomiting
Conditions like bulimia or severe acid reflux increase the exposure of your teeth to stomach acid, which can erode enamel and lead to cavities.
Lack of Saliva
Saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria. If you have a condition that limits saliva production, your risk of cavities increases.
Dental Devices
Braces, dentures, and other dental devices can make it difficult to clean certain areas of your teeth, allowing plaque to build up and cause cavities.
Plaque Buildup
Poor oral hygiene leads to the accumulation of plaque, which produces acid that erodes enamel and causes cavities.
Acid Reflux and Heartburn
Stomach acid that reaches your mouth due to acid reflux or heartburn can erode enamel and increase your risk of cavities.
Age
Children, teenagers, and older adults are more susceptible to cavities. Children and teens may struggle with consistent oral hygiene, while older adults may experience receding gums, which exposes more of the tooth surface to decay.
Poor Eating Habits
Snacking frequently or consuming sugary foods and drinks increases the amount of acid your teeth are exposed to, leading to cavities.
Constant Bottle or Sippy Cup Use
Children who constantly drink from bottles or sippy cups, especially while in bed, are at a higher risk of cavities due to prolonged exposure to sugary liquids.
Difficulty Cleaning Back Molars
Molars, especially those at the back of your mouth, are harder to clean, making them more susceptible to cavities.
How to Get Rid of Cavities
If you suspect you have a cavity, it’s crucial to seek dental treatment as soon as possible. Here are some common methods for treating cavities:
- Fillings: The most common treatment for cavities is a filling. Your dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth and fill the space with a dental material like composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain.
- Crowns: If the cavity is large and has weakened the tooth, your dentist may recommend a crown. A crown is a custom-made cap that covers and strengthens the tooth.
- Root Canal: If the decay has reached the inner part of the tooth (the pulp), a root canal may be necessary. This procedure involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it with a filling or crown.
- Fluoride Treatment:In the early stages of decay, a fluoride treatment may help restore enamel and reverse the cavity.
- Tooth Extraction: In severe cases where the tooth is beyond repair, extraction may be necessary. Your dentist will remove the damaged tooth to prevent further complications.
Financing Options Available At Park Meadows
Park Meadows Dental offers direct billing to your insurance company if you have dental insurance through your employer or another insurance agent. What if you do not have dental insurance? You can pay for your dental fees with a major credit card, debit card, or cash.
Alberta Dental Fee Guide
We follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide to keep our pricing in line with dental fees across the province. Effective 2017, the Alberta Dental Association & College produced a suggested fee guide which accounted for about an 8.5% reduction in the previous year’s fees. We follow this guide not because we are required to but because we want your dental care to be affordable.
It’s good to note that many insurance companies base their coverage on this guide. Our priority is to help you achieve the best possible dental care and services so you can achieve your oral health goals. Park Meadows Dental wants everyone to be able to receive quality dental care and we encourage you to visit your dentist regularly.
Frequently Asked questions
Yes, a tooth with a cavity can often be saved, especially if treated early. Your dentist can remove the decayed portion and restore the tooth with a filling, crown, or other dental treatment, preventing further damage.
If a cavity hurts, it usually means the decay has progressed to the deeper layers of the tooth, possibly reaching the dentin or pulp. Immediate dental treatment is essential to prevent infection and avoid more severe complications.
You may know a cavity has reached the nerve if you experience severe, persistent tooth pain, especially when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods. This pain is often accompanied by sensitivity and may indicate that the decay has reached the tooth’s pulp.
Office Hours
Monday: 10:00am-8:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Wed-thurs: 9:00am-5:00pm
Fri: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sat: 9:00am-2:00pm
Sun : CLOSED
Location
Suite 101, 1854
Southview Drive SE,
Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 8L9