How to prevent cavities

Oct 19, 2003

Cavities is another way of saying tooth decay. Tooth decay is heavily influenced by lifestyle, what we eat, how well we take care of our teeth, the presence of fluoride in our water and toothpaste

By Angela Wiltshire

Cavities is another way of saying tooth decay. Tooth decay is heavily influenced by lifestyle, what we eat, how well we take care of our teeth, the presence of fluoride in our water and toothpaste.

Heredity also plays a role in how susceptible your teeth may be to decay. It is important to take good care of your teeth and live longer with your teeth well tucked in.

While cavities are generally more common among children, adults are also at risk. The types of cavities include:

Coronal cavities - the most common type occurring in both children and adults. Coronal cavities are usually located on chewing surfaces or between the teeth.

Root cavities - as we age, our gums recede, leaving parts of the tooth root exposed. Since there is no enamel covering tooth roots, these exposed areas easily decay.

Recurrent decay can form around existing fillings and crowns. This is because these areas may have a tendency to accumulate plaque, which can ultimately lead to decay.
Adults are especially at risk for cavities if they suffer from dry mouth, a condition due to a lack of saliva.

Cavities are very serious. Left untreated, a cavity can destroy your tooth and kill the delicate nerves at its centre, which may result in an abscess, an area of infection at the root tip.

How do I know if I have a cavity?
Only your dentist can tell for sure whether you have a cavity because cavities develop below the tooth’s surface, where you can’t see them. When you eat sugars and starches, these carbohydrates are eaten by the bacteria in plaque, producing acids that eat into the tooth. Over time, the tooth enamel begins to break down while the surface remains intact. When enough of the sub-surface enamel is eaten away, the surface collapses, forming a cavity.
Cavities are most likely to develop in pits on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, in between teeth, and near the gum line. Do not hesitate to make routine check-ups.
The recommended dental visits are after every six months it will help you keep track of all your teeth’s status and avoid all the grave cavities that may develop later on.
If detected early enough, cavities can be handled before they get worse. The dentist could save your teeth before the cavity “digs” deep down the root and hence causing pain and intense damage to your tooth on the overall.

How can I help prevent cavities?

Brush at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth and below the gum line.

Have regular dental checkups. Preventive care can help stop problems from occurring and keep minor problems from becoming major ones.

Eat a well-balanced diet that limits starchy or sugary foods. When you do eat these foods, try to eat them with your meal instead of as a snack to minimize the number of times that your teeth are exposed to acid.

Use dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste.

Make sure that your children’s drinking water is fluoridated. If your water supply does not contain fluoride, your dentist or pediatrician may prescribe daily fluoride supplements.

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