Good dental hygiene is key to keeping the cavities away.
What’s on your mind as you make the long drive to your dentist for your check up and cleaning? For many people, cavities are all they can think about. Even incredibly hygienic people can get cavities, and many people don’t even notice them until your dentist hits you with the news. Having cavities filled isn’t a terrible experience by any means, but it is certainly not ideal, and the sooner you notice them, the easier they are to deal with. Know the causes and the early signs of cavities so that you can nip them in the bud with good dental hygiene.
How Cavities Form
Put simply, cavities are holes in your teeth. They are like little caves caused by decay. While cavities are more common among children, you can literally get them at any age. Cavities are caused by a combination of bacteria in your mouth, and your diet. When you invite sugary drinks, sticky snacks, and alcohol into your mouth, they feed the bacteria that already exist. Bacteria form bunches that are called plaque, and plaque hardens to form tartar. As bacteria grow, they create an acidic environment that can slowly chip away at your enamel, eventually causing cavities.
What are the early signs of cavities?
- Pain. Pain isn’t always present with cavities, but if you start noticing a bit of soreness when you bite down or chew food, definitely inspect the area to see what else you notice. Pain often progresses from minor to serious as cavities get worse, so act early.
- Sensitivity. Many people experience tooth sensitivity over the course of their lives. This is often temperature related, but can also be caused by excessively sugary foods. Sensitivity often feels like a slight tingle that edges on the verge of pain. If you suddenly start experiencing sensitivity in a concentrated area, this could be a sign of a developing cavity.
- Bad Breath. Bad breathe can come from eating garlicky pasta, but it can also be caused by cavities. Because cavities are physical holes in your teeth, they make great nooks for food to get trapped in. As these particles decay, they often start smelling much like rotting food does.
- Holes. Sometimes cavities form holes that are large enough to be visible. You may notice little holes or other dark spots. Teeth that are dealing with cavities also become more brittle, creating the perfect environment for cracks and chips.
Contact Annapolis Family Dental Care
If you want to learn more about proper Dental Hygiene from your Annapolis Dentist or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Annapolis Family Dental Care by calling (410) 267-0766 or visit AnnapolisDentalCare.com today! Our diligent knowledge of all dental treatments and extensive experience in all fields of dentistry, ensure Annapolis Dental is best suited to care for your oral health. You can also follow Annapolis Dental Care on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.