Do you have a cavity or two that you’ve been putting off treating? Many people consider cavities minor and nothing to worry about, but this isn’t the case. While they are incredibly common, cavities can be complex issues that lead to more significant problems when left untreated. At Albion Family Dental, we offer dental fillings in Albion that will resolve your cavity and restore the health of your tooth. Read on to learn why you shouldn’t delay cavity fillings.
What Causes Cavities?
Most cavities result from these two factors: excessive sugar consumption or poor oral hygiene. Baked goods and candies are delicious, but indulging in sweets too often leads to cavity formation. Drinking sugary beverages like soda and fruit juice also produces this effect.
But if you don’t eat a lot of sugar, you may wonder how you ended up with a cavity. Another cause of cavities is inadequate dental care. You could also develop a cavity if you do not practice proper oral hygiene and get regular professional cleanings. To avoid cavity formation, brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily. Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash also helps prevent cavities.
The Best Ways to Treat a Cavity
The most effective way to treat a cavity is with a filling. Dental fillings fill the hole in the tooth and restore the tooth’s entire structure. This prevents bacteria from entering the pulp of the tooth and helps preserve overall oral health. If a tooth is closer to the front of the mouth, you may be concerned with its appearance. A tooth-colored filling can fill the gap and restore your natural look.
Dental fillings are made from a variety of materials. Traditional fillings are made from metals like silver or gold. Others have been made with porcelain. For patients who want a filling that matches the look of their natural tooth, composite resin fillings are a great option. There are multiple shades available, and your dentist will work to choose a shade that closely resembles your tooth’s enamel. 1
Do Cavities Always Require Treatment?
Some might believe a small cavity is not a problem, but all cavities must be treated promptly. Cavities can cause pain when chewing, aches within the jaw, and shooting pains when drinking cold beverages. Even if your cavity is not causing symptoms, it could eventually lead to more significant issues down the line if left untreated.
Since a cavity is a hole in the tooth, it allows bacteria to enter the inside of the tooth. When this happens, it can infect the pulp of the tooth and lead to further tooth decay. Ultimately, this could lead to the need for a root canal treatment or even tooth extraction. To preserve your natural tooth, you should fill the cavity as soon as possible.
Another reason you should not delay cavity treatment is the bad breath that cavities can cause. Food particles and bacteria can accumulate inside cavities, leading to a foul odor. If decay sets in, this will also create an unpleasant smell. Unlike average bad breath, the odor caused by cavities cannot just be brushed away with minty toothpaste. You will need to have the tooth thoroughly cleaned and the cavity filled to resolve it.
Is It Time for You to Get Dental Fillings in Albion?
The pain and discomfort of a cavity should not be ignored for long. Relieving your symptoms is as simple as a visit to Albion Family Dental. Fillings are one of our team’s most common procedures, with stellar results and long-term relief. Get more information on dental fillings in Albion by giving us a call at (585) 589-9044 to schedule your next appointment.
Sources:
[1] Dental Fillings: Materials, Types, Sensitivity & Allergy Issues (clevelandclinic.org)