How To Control Cavity In Teeth?
Cavities or dental caries are the black rotten spots or holes in the teeth that make you self-conscious and can also be a source of great pain! Cavities form gradually in the mouth due to plaque build-up.
Many people wonder whether cavities can be fixed or reversed. And how to keep teeth cavity-free and healthy? Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent, slow down, and cure cavities. All you need is the right kind of treatment and prevention strategy!
Here is your guide to understanding How To Control Cavity In Teeth and how you can prevent, fix, and control them!
How Do Cavities Form?
Cavities are the holes in your teeth when they come into contact with acids produced by bacteria. These bacteria flourish in the plaque that gradually forms on the tooth enamel over time if a person doesn’t brush and rinse their teeth regularly. The most common culprit for cavities is the streptococcus mutans bacterium.
Cavity formation occurs over time and across different stages.
1. Demineralization
This is the first stage when the bacteria on the teeth release acid to demineralize the tooth enamel. The tooth enamel begins to decay as a cavity forms.
2. Decay
At this point, the tooth enamel continues to decay and break. A hole or cavity begins forming in the tooth enamel.
3. Cavity Reaches Dentin Layer
At this stage, the cavity grows and completely penetrates the enamel reaching the second layer called the dentin. The dentin is a soft tissue layer. Once a cavity reaches the dentin it can get painful.
4. Pulp
The most painful stage is when the cavity penetrates further to reach the pulp which is a group of nerves and blood vessels in the tooth. Here the inflammation and pain are much greater.
Signs and Symptoms of Cavities
Signs and symptoms of a cavity appear once the enamel has been penetrated and the cavity reaches deeper layers of the tooth such as the dentin and the pulp. People with cavities may experience symptoms such as:
- Facial swelling
- Bad breath
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food items and drinks
- Toothache or pain inside the mouth
These symptoms don’t all occur at the same time. You may not experience all of them, but some.
Tips To Prevent Cavities In Teeth
If you’re wondering how do I stop getting cavities, there are many ways to do that!
Here are some steps you can take to control and prevent the formation of cavities in your mouth.
1. Oral Hygiene
A routine of brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing can keep cavities away. Flossing ensures no food remains stuck between your teeth to cause cavities. This prevents the build-up of plaque which is the feeding ground of bacteria. It also helps strengthen the enamel.
2. Sugar-Free Gum
If you’re wondering how can I stop a cavity from spreading, this is the solution!
Sugar-free gum reduces the number of bacteria causing damage to the enamel. This strengthens the enamel and can slow the spread of a cavity, allowing you to prevent and fix it before it increases!
3. Reduce Sugary Foods
The one extremely useful remedy, that is the most neglected and hated, to cure and prevent cavities is minimizing sugary food. Such foods significantly contribute towards cavity formation and prevent the re-mineralization (strengthening_ of the enamel if consumed frequently and excessively.
In addition, when you do consume sugary food make sure to floss and brush your teeth!
4. Vitamins and Minerals
Taking vitamin and mineral supplements is a great way to prevent cavities! Minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus are the building blocks of our teeth and can strengthen them.
Additionally, vitamin D has many useful properties such as delaying the progression of dental caries and mineralizing the teeth’ enamel by releasing calcium in the saliva.
How To Fix Teeth Cavities?
So, what kills cavities in teeth to make them healthy again? Several dental procedures and strategies can help remove cavities or slow their progression.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatments are very effective in the remineralization of the tooth enamel. It is extremely useful in the early stage of cavity formation as it reverses the early signs of a cavity fixing it before it progresses.
Dental Fillings
A qualified medical professional carries out the procedure. It involves drilling out the damaged tissue or portion of the cavity-infected tooth. The drilled-out portion is then filled up with special fillings. The fillings may comprise either resin, gold, or silver amalgam.
Root Canal
This procedure is best for the last stage of the cavity when it has reached the pulp layer and is extremely painful. Root canal treatment relieves pain by removing the infected tooth pulp and replacing it with a special filling.
Tooth Extraction
If the infected tooth cannot be repaired, your dentist may recommend tooth extraction which means pulling it out. The tooth is replaced with a dental implant.
The Bottom Line
Cavities or dental caries are common oral infections. However, they are both preventable and treatable if you take some care.
So, if you’re looking to get your cavities checked or treated, Holistic Care is your best option! With experienced and quality dentists and superior healthcare facilities, Holistic Care provides a comfortable and safe environment for all your teeth and other medical concerns! We guarantee top-quality health care for all our patients!
Book your appointment now and till then, keep brushing and flossing!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can cavities be 100% prevented?
Cavities are easily preventable if you take good care of your teeth. Brushing, flossing, and avoiding sugary foods is the easiest way to prevent cavities.
2. What is the fastest way to get rid of a cavity?
The fastest way to get rid of a cavity is through dental fillings. The treatment removes the damaged part of the tooth and fills it with a filling.
3. Can cavities be removed naturally?
It is not recommended to remove cavities at home since such measures are ineffective. Especially if the cavity has reached the pulp layer, it is best to consult a professional!
