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Cavities or tooth decay is one of the most prevalent dental problems in people of all ages. Reports say that more than 90% of the people above the age of 45 years, are easy prey for dental problems.
You may wonder why. So get a cup of coffee cause today I’m telling you everything you need to know if you or your loved ones have a cavity.
Mother - General Dentist - Blogger
There are many reasons, such as poor oral hygiene or improper diet. However, if cavities are not treated at the right time, they can result in severe dental pain, infection, swollen gums and even tooth loss.
I know, it sounds scary. But you know what is even scarier? Neglecting your oral health problems. The good news is that with proper education and dental care, you cannot only prevent your teeth from decaying and getting a cavity, but you can also up your oral hygiene game. Let me tell you how.
Keep reading to know more. Because, better oral health is a synonym for better overall health.
A dental cavity, also known as dental caries or tooth decay, occurs when the hard surfaces of your teeth such as enamel and dentin are permanently damaged. It starts as mild whitish or brownish-black discoloration of the tooth as a result of food particles left in the mouth as a result of poor oral care. The food creates bacteria which is the main cause of the cavity.
The bacteria invades the tooth from the damaged area, and the cavity gets deeper to the point that it destroys the entire tooth, and what’s worse is if it is not treated on time, it moves to neighboring teeth as well.
While the outermost layer of your teeth is the hardest substance in your body, once it is damaged, there is no going back because teeth lack the ability to heal or repair themselves. As the bacteria that produces the cavity goes deeper and “eats up” the tooth, large black holes start to form, often resulting in broken tooth walls.
So, if you see “black holes” forming on your tooth surface or the gush of air makes your teeth hurt, it is time you go see your dentist. Because, the earlier you treat a dental cavity, the healthier your smile will be, (and the less your wallet will suffer).
The best way to prevent all dental problems is by taking care of your teeth, and getting an affordable dental plan that helps you cover some of the cost is the perfect way to begin so make sure to check out these great options for individuals, families and seniors. Call us now at (866) 664-0276 to get a free Quote!
Amongst all dental problems, cavities are the most common. From toddlers, to teenagers and old people – they can occur at any time in life and if you don’t treat them they can cause worst issues such as tooth loss or even oral cancer. The question is why do they occur? But before I tell you why, it is important to learn how they occur.
Formation of dental plaque: Plaque is a sticky, clear film that forms and coats all your teeth above or under the gum line. It is formed due to your eating and drinking habits – the more sugary things you consume the sooner this layer forms.
Plaque turns hard: If the dental plaque is not removed, with proper brushing and flossing, it hardens and turns into “calculus” or tartar as you may know it. This layer harbors “teeth-damaging” bacteria that invade your teeth the first chance they get and cause the cavity. While plaque can be removed from brushing properly, once the calculus is formed, the only way to get rid of it will be through professional dental cleaning.
Dental problems begin: The bacteria produce harmful acids that rapidly grow and affect every part of your mouth including teeth, tongue, gums, and breath.
Now that you know what happens inside your mouth, Let’s review the main causes that lead to a dental cavity so you can start making the necessary amendments to your oral care routine.
Call us now and get a free quote. Plans starting as low as around $1/day.
Now you probably heard that there are some special conditions present in certain patients that can increase the risk of you getting a cavity, which is 100% true, so it’s important for you to review the following list and if you have any of these then you must be very cautious towards your oral hygiene routine.
Inheritance of genetics: it is not only the money or assets you inherit from your ancestors, it is health issues related to teeth that also “run” in the family and put you at potential risk of tooth decay.
Fractures or Broken Teeth: Often, a cavity may occur as a result of a misshapen tooth such as chipped, fractured or broken tooth. Not getting a dental crown on time leaves the inner layers of the tooth exposed and vulnerable for bacteria to grow.
Health Conditions: Medical studies indicate that patients with underlying medical problems like Down syndrome or Diabetes Mellitus have a higher propensity to getting cavities.
Certain medications: Many medications have been related to tooth decay. So make sure to read the label on the bottle or look it up online to see the full list of side effects caused by the medicines you take.
Although dental cavities are very common, you can easily prevent them by adapting great oral hygiene habits, including:
So my best advice as a dental professional to keep cavities at bay is to maintain a good oral health routine, visit your dentist regularly, and take care of yourself. It’s really not that hard.
When dealing with this and pretty much any other dental problem it is essential to stop the process while it is still in the beginning stages for many reasons. Not only, the sooner the issue is detected, the easier and the faster it is to treat, but also, and I can’t emphasize this enough, the cheaper and less painful it will be.
If you are already suffering the disease, be aware that the treatment might become very expensive depending on the treatment so make sure to find a good dental plan that helps you cover part of the cost.
If you are struggling to find a good dental plan that you can rely on when needed; SHD offers great options for individuals, families and seniors. Call us now at (866) 664-0276 to get a free Quote!
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The plan member is obligated to pay for all health care services but will receive a discount from those health care providers who have contracted with the discount medical plan organization.
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