Cavities Archives - Easton Dental

Cavities can cause pain, tooth sensitivity, and dental infection. If you have a cavity, it’s important to get help from your dentist in Cleveland Heights, OH. If you have a cavity, or if you think you might have a cavity, you probably have questions. In this article, we’ll go over some of the common questions and answers about cavities. Here’s what you need to know.

What is a dental cavity?

A cavity is a hole in your tooth enamel formed by dental decay. Cavities can occur as a result of poor oral hygiene, bacteria in the mouth, and a high-sugar diet.

What’s the difference between dental caries and dental cavities?

Some people use the term “dental caries” and “cavity” interchangeably. Others say that dental caries refer to minor forms of tooth decay, and that a cavity is a deep hole in the tooth that starts as dental caries.

If I have a cavity, what should I do?

If you have a cavity, it’s important to get a dental filling that will fill the hole and prevent more tooth decay.

What are the signs of a dental cavity?

If you have a cavity, you may have pain and discomfort in your tooth. You may also experience tooth sensitivity. Cavities can cause bad breath, as well.

Who is at risk for cavities?

Children commonly get cavities, often as the result of poor oral hygiene habits and eating foods that contain a lot of sugar. Older adults are also at risk for cavities.

What’s the difference between amalgam and composite fillings?

An amalgam filling is a filling made from a mixture of metals. Amalgam fillings are silver when they’re installed and eventually darken to black. Composite fillings are tooth-colored and are made from resin. Composite fillings are impossible to distinguish from normal tooth enamel, but they may not last as long as amalgam fillings.

If you have a cavity, or if you think you have a cavity, see your dentist about cavity fillings in Cleveland Heights, OH. A cavity that is allowed to progress can turn into a dental infection, which can be very painful. Call today to make an appointment.

Cavities are a common dental health problem that most people face at least once in their lives. With a combination of routine dental visits to adentist in Cleveland Heights, OH, and good at-home oral hygiene, most problems with cavities can be eliminated. Still, some people seem more prone to getting cavities than others. If you’ve ever wondered why some people always seem to get cavities, you’ll be interested in learning about all the factors involved.

Oral Microbiome

The oral microbiome, a complex ecosystem of bacteria and other microorganisms residing in the mouth, plays a crucial role in oral health, including cavity susceptibility. The oral microbiome consists of diverse microorganisms, with hundreds of species coexisting in the mouth. While most of these microorganisms are harmless or beneficial, some species, such as Streptococcus mutans, are cavity-causing bacteria. Individuals with a less diverse oral microbiome, characterized by an imbalance in microbial populations, may be at a higher risk of cavities.

Acidic Levels

Cavity-causing bacteria, such as S. mutans, metabolize sugars from food and beverages, producing acids as byproducts. These acids lower the mouth’s pH level, creating an acidic environment that erodes tooth enamel and promotes cavity formation.

Composition of Saliva

Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by buffering acids, washing away food particles, and remineralizing tooth enamel. Its composition, including its pH level, flow rate, and antimicrobial properties, can influence cavity susceptibility. Factors such as dry mouth or altered saliva composition may compromise its protective functions, increasing the risk of cavities.

Diet

Dietary habits can influence the composition of the oral microbiome and cavity formation. Consuming a diet high in sugars and carbohydrates fuels cavity-causing bacteria, increasing acid production and enamel erosion. On the other hand, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products can support a healthy oral microbiome and reduce cavity susceptibility.

As you can see, many factors are involved in the formation of cavities. The best way to ensure that cavities don’t destroy your teeth is to visit your dentist often fordental exams in Cleveland Heights, OH. Contact us today to book your next dental appointment.

Have Questions About Cavities? We Have Answers!