WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET A CAVITY

Posted on Jan 26, 2018

A minor cavity is nothing to panic about, but understanding how tooth decay works helps you take better care of your dental health. Cavities form when you don’t take proper care of your oral health, so you’re at risk if you don’t brush, floss, and see your dentist near Belmont. Change your habits to protect yourself from tooth decay, and visit the dentist to have your existing cavities filled in. If you’re worried about your enamel, read ahead and find out what happens when you get a cavity.

How It Forms

Most people experience tooth decay at some point in their lives. Tooth decay happens when bacteria, food debris, and acid build up on your tooth enamel. Eventually, this combination of contaminants will break down the enamel and leave cavities. Sugar is a particularly dangerous substance for your teeth, so be careful with your snacking.

What to Do

If you think you have a cavity, the first thing you can do is change your habits, so the decay doesn’t worsen. This means taking better care of your teeth and gums, seeing the dentist more frequently, and considering what makes up your diet. To treat the damage that has been already done, you can make an appointment with your dentist. Your dental health professionals can clean your teeth and fill in the decay in a way that is unnoticeable to others.

Ways to Prevent Decay

Tooth decay might be a common problem, but it’s one that’s easy to protect yourself from. You can start by brushing your teeth twice every day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and an ADA recommended toothpaste. Floss once per day to remove bacteria from the sides of your teeth and under your gum line, and visit your dentist for professional cleanings and checkups at least twice a year. It also helps to limit your intake of sugary snacks and energy drinks, as these can leave contaminants on your teeth that attack your enamel. Brush your teeth in between meals, and make sure there’s plenty of water in your diet.