What To Know About Cavities
When a patient visits our office for a routine hygiene examination, one of the first questions they usually ask is if we have spotted any cavities. Cavities are the most common dental problem for patients of all ages. In fact, you or a loved one may have experienced a cavity. Do you know how cavities form and how to prevent them?
What are Cavities?
Cavities can occur anywhere on the surface area of a tooth. This includes the top, the front, and even between the teeth. When lingering food and bacteria remain on the teeth, they eventually turn into acid that begins to slowly eat away at the enamel of the tooth, eventually causing a hole. If not treated in a timely manner, the hole will continue to increase in size. This is why we encourage patients to receive treatment for their cavities as soon as we notice a problem. If you notice any of these problems, you may have a cavity or another problem with your oral health:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Tooth discomfort and pain
- Holes or pits in your teeth
- Brown discoloration on your teeth
The Best Way to Prevent a Cavity
The best way to prevent a cavity is to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth daily. When possible, we recommend brushing immediately after eating. In addition to brushing, we also recommend using dental floss daily to remove food and bacteria that cannot be reached with toothbrush bristles. Another great way to prevent cavities is to visit us for an oral hygiene examination. We not only check your teeth, but we also remove any lingering plaque and bacteria that can cause cavities.
If you are in need of an oral hygiene examination or we recommended a filling or other treatment that you need to schedule, contact our office, which is located in Houston, TX. We want to help you have optimal oral health! See you soon!
