Most people know that tooth enamel is the hardest part of the human body. This tough outer layer protects your smile from daily wear and tear. However, bacteria in your mouth are constantly looking for a meal. They love to eat the sugar from your snacks and drinks, using it to create acid. This acid slowly wears down your enamel until a small hole forms. That hole is a cavity. Once your enamel is gone, it is gone for good because your body cannot grow it back. This is exactly why keeping your teeth clean is so important for everyone living in the Mile High State.
What is a Cavity and How it Forms
A cavity is basically a hole in your tooth that gets bigger the longer you wait to fix it. In the very beginning, you might notice a small white spot on the tooth surface. If you catch it right then, your dentist can often help heal the tooth before things get worse. If it sits there too long, it turns into a dark brown or black spot.
To understand how this happens, you have to look at the layers of a tooth:
- Enamel: The hard, protective outer shell.
- Dentin: The layer under the enamel that is softer and allows decay to spread faster.
- Pulp: The center of the tooth where the nerves and blood supply live.
If you do not get a cavity fixed, the decay moves past the enamel and into the dentin. Eventually, it reaches the pulp. When bacteria get into that center area, you end up with a painful infection. You might even lose the tooth entirely if the infection is serious enough.
Daily Habits for a Healthy Smile
Cleaning your teeth at home is your first line of defense against plaque. Plaque is that sticky, fuzzy feeling you notice on your teeth after a meal. To keep it away, you should brush your teeth two times every day. Aim for at least two minutes each time. Use a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste to get the job done right.
Hold your brush at a 45 degree angle and move it in small, gentle circles. You also need to floss once a day. A toothbrush simply cannot reach the tight spots between your teeth where food gets stuck. If you like using mouthwash, try to wait about 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything. This gives the fluoride enough time to sit on your teeth and strengthen them.
Diet and Your Teeth
What you eat matters, but when you eat it is just as important. Sugary foods and starchy snacks like crackers, cereal, or white bread are basically fuel for bacteria. Instead of snacking on these things all day long, try to eat them only during your main meals. This limits the number of acid attacks your teeth have to deal with.
Drinking fluoridated tap water is another easy way to wash away food and keep your enamel strong. Also, try to avoid eating right before you go to sleep. Your mouth produces much less saliva while you sleep. Without that saliva to wash things away, sugar can sit on your teeth and cause damage all night long.
Risk Factors for Tooth Decay
Anyone can get a cavity. It does not matter if you are a young child or an older adult. However, some people have a higher risk because of their specific situation. You might be more likely to get cavities if you:
- Have a family history of dental issues.
- Deal with dry mouth caused by certain medications.
- Have cracked or chipped teeth where bacteria can hide.
- Sip on sugary sodas or coffee throughout the day.
People who have gone through radiation therapy for the head or neck might also notice more issues with their teeth. If you ever see swelling in your mouth, have a bad taste that won’t go away, or feel sudden pain, you should see a professional immediately.
Professional Care and Treatments
If the hole is deeper, the dentist will remove the decay and use a silver or white material to fill the space. You can also ask about dental sealants. These are thin plastic coatings that the dentist places over the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. They act as a shield to keep bacteria out of the deep grooves where cavities usually start.
Suncreek Dental Group wants to help you keep your smile bright and pain-free. If you are looking for a reliable dentist in Colorado, we are here to help with cleanings, exams, and preventative care. You can reach us at (303) 933-2522 to set up your next visit. Taking care of your teeth today is the best way to prevent bigger, more expensive problems in the future.
Category: Homecare