Oral health is an integral part of overall health and wellness. Being proactive with regard to proper oral hygiene can not only help keep teeth looking great, but it can also prevent issues such as cavities. Cavities are holes in the enamel of the teeth. They are a common dental issue that people endure worldwide. Cavities can be extremely painful and quite expensive to fix once they occur. They may also lead to further issues such as infection of the jawbones if they are left untreated. Cavities can happen to people of any age from children to senior citizens. The importance of being conscientious about oral health care is something children should be taught as early as possible. Taking good care of the teeth will help to ensure that they stay healthy for life.
Cavities are most often caused by tooth decay. Tooth decay happens when bacteria in the mouth are allowed to continue growing and then it forms plaque. The acid in the plaque will slowly begin wearing down the enamel. Enamel is the hard outer layer of the teeth. It covers the inner parts of the teeth such as the dentin, pulp, and nerves. Eventually, a hole will be able to go all the way through the enamel and can then reach the nerves. This can cause immense pain. Cavities may also be caused by certain medical treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy due to the way they affect the teeth and salivary glands. There is a genetic predisposition to getting cavities that some people may have. It's a good idea for people to be informed about family history to see if they need to take extra precautions against cavities. Lifestyle factors such as food and drink choices can also contribute to the formation of cavities. The good news is that cavities are preventable and not inevitable.
When it comes to cavities, prevention is definitely key. Having a good daily dental hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing will go far in the battle against cavities. Numerous dental professionals recommend using toothpaste and mouthwash that contain fluoride for an extra boost of cavity protection. Another thing to implement daily is being aware of how diet can lead to cavities. Starchy or sugary foods will give the problematic bacteria present in the mouth and on the teeth fuel to grow. Having a lot of between-meal snacks also has the potential to lead to issues down the road. Drinking things like wine or soda can be bad for teeth in the long run. These beverages can cause staining and lead to cavities as well. Besides improving dietary habits and implementing good dental hygiene, another way to help prevent cavities is to have regularly scheduled dental exams. A dental professional will be able to see problems before they get worse, and help fix them if needed. Making dental care a priority is a prudent choice.
If it is already too late and cavities have formed, a dentist might be able to save the affected tooth or teeth by using fillings. A filling is a surgical procedure where the dentist will drill away any decayed, unsalvageable portions of the tooth and replace them with a body-safe material. Dentists will most commonly use composite resin, glass ionomer, or silver amalgam for the filling. The choice of which material to use will depend on the location of the affected tooth, patient preference, and other factors such as cost and availability. While some describe getting a filling as unpleasant, it can be a great alternative to losing a tooth or having pain and infection instead. Teeth with fillings are essentially fully functional. Dentists also do the best they can to recreate a natural-looking shape as well to make the teeth aesthetically pleasing to patients. Dental health is another facet of overall health. Most people push it aside, but it impacts life in many ways. Keeping on top of dental care is something that should be prioritized.
