Understanding Cavities and The Role of Cavity Fillings in Albion – How They Form and How to Prevent Them

Dec 23, 2024 | Blog Posts

Understanding Cavities and The Role of Cavity Fillings in Albion - How They Form and How to Prevent Them

Cavities are one of the most common dental problems dentists see. One in five adults between 20 and 64 have untreated cavities.[1] However, you don’t have to become one of these statistics with cavity fillings in Albion.

Tooth decay doesn’t happen overnight. It is usually gradual damage that happens to the surfaces of your teeth. Bacteria, acids, and daily habits cause this damage. However, proactive care and routine teeth cleanings can help reduce the need for dental fillings.

Understanding what causes cavities, how they form, and how to prevent them can make it easier to keep your smile bright. Learning about dental cavities and how to prevent them can keep your mouth happy and avoid receiving bad news on your next dental visit.

What Are Dental Cavities?

Cavities happen when part of your tooth enamel becomes damaged.[2] Referred to as caries or tooth decay, many things contribute to this, including poor oral hygiene and eating or drinking sugary foods and drinks.

Tooth decay begins as a small and painless spot on the tooth. It can be hard to detect, but eventually, it grows and causes pain. When left untreated, the tooth can potentially become infected. However, regular dental appointments can help identify cavities early, preventing them from becoming a more extensive problem.

Cavities: How They Form

Cavities form through a process of decay. This process happens in multiple stages.

Stage 1: Plaque Buildup

Good and bad bacteria live in your mouth. Brushing your teeth usually controls the issue. However, without proper brush and flossing habits, a sticky biofilm known as plaque develops.

Bacteria thrive in plaque. Eating or drinking sugary or starchy foods produces acid that wears away at the hard outer layer of tooth enamel.[3]

Ultimately, plaque can also harden, turning into a substance called tartar or dental calculus.[4] This is more challenging to remove and can cause additional damage to your oral health.

Stage 2: Demineralization

As the acid attacks your tooth, it erodes the minerals in the enamel, starting the early stages of decay.[2] With routine dental appointments, it can be detected early. Sometimes, the decay can be reversed with fluoride treatments and better oral hygiene.

Stage 3: Enamel Breakdown

If the plaque is not removed, the acid will continue to attack the enamel. Gradually, small holes will appear on the tooth surface. Once the enamel is gone, the decay can spread to the softer tissues of the tooth, like the dentin.

Stage 4: Damage to the Dentin

Dentin is softer and more sensitive than enamel. It also connects to the tooth’s nerves. As the decay advances, it can cause tooth pain. You may notice it more when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods.

Stage 5: Pulp Infection

The innermost part of the tooth is the pulp. It contains the nerves and blood vessels. If the decay reaches this tissue, it can cause severe pain and eventually an infection. Once it reaches this stage, it may require root canal treatment or extraction.

How to Prevent Cavity Fillings in Albion

You don’t have to let your teeth succumb to cavity fillings in Albion. You can take proactive steps to prevent tooth decay and keep your healthy smile.

Use Fluoride

Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel.[1] It makes teeth more resistant to acid attacks that cause decay. Using fluoride toothpaste daily can help reinforce enamel, and professional fluoride treatments add an extra layer of protection.

Diet Adjustments

Who doesn’t enjoy the occasional candy bar or crisp potato chip? However, sugary and starchy foods fuel acid-producing bacteria. Reduce your intake of these products. If you eat them, rinse your mouth with water afterward, as this helps to neutralize the acid.

Try replacing your afternoon sweets with fruits and vegetables to enhance oral health. Many calcium-rich foods also provide health benefits for your smile.

Regular Cleanings

During a dental cleaning, your dentist will use special instruments to remove plaque and calculus, eliminating bacteria from your mouth. Cleanings and checkups are vital for catching early signs of tooth decay and your best bet against a multitude of oral health issues.

Dental Sealants

A dental sealant is a thin layer of resin applied to the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars. It is a protective layer that stops bacteria from forming in the deep grooves of these teeth. With proper care, dental sealants can prevent your teeth from needing fillings in Albion, NY, for many years.

Learn More About Preventing Cavity Fillings in Albion

Cavities are a common and preventable dental problem. Visiting a reliable dental practice can help you learn more about preventive measures and how to maintain good oral hygiene.

Contact Albion Family Dental at 585-589-9044 to schedule your next appointment.

 

Sources:

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/about/cavities-tooth-decay.html

[2] https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay/more-info/tooth-decay-process

[3] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10953-plaque

[4] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/25102-tartar