We hear horror stories all the time about cavities and how sugar will cause cavities to occur. If you aren’t sure if gum is good and you are tired of hearing about fluoride debates, here are some things you need to know about cavities.
What is a cavity?
A cavity forms inside the dentin (inside) of a tooth when it breaks through the enamel or outer layer of the tooth. It is caused from bacteria that creates plaque. If a cavity is not treated by a Livermore dentist soon after it is detected, it will continue to grow larger and can get deeper as well. This means it will destroy the nerve of the tooth and the tooth will need a root canal or it may need to be extracted.
What causes cavities?
Plaque causes cavities as it will eat away at the enamel. Plaque occurs when you do not cleanse the mouth of the bacteria left behind from the foods you eat. This is why brushing and flossing is so important to your teeth and gums. Your Livermore dental will take x-rays of the teeth in order to check on them and to see if there are cavities in the dentin. They will also perform an examination of the teeth and gums to check for signs of decay and to check for bacteria in the gums. Cutting out foods like sugary sodas and snacks will really help to reduce your risk of developing cavities.
Preventing cavities
In addition to cutting the sugar from your diet you should also consider drinking water that contains fluoride. The fluoride helps to build up the enamel on your teeth so they are stronger and will be able to stay protected against bacteria. Talk to your dentist about fluoride treatments as this too can help to build up the enamel and offer you a lower risk of developing cavities.