Everyone is susceptible to cavities, but they can be prevented with a diligent home care regimen that includes regular brushing at least twice a day and flossing once per day.

What Are Cavities?

Cavities occur when the food we eat interacts with bacteria in our mouths, resulting in a chemical reaction that produces acid. This acid erodes tooth enamel, which is the white outer surface of your teeth, causing decay. Over time, a small hole, or cavity, forms in the enamel. As it progresses, the cavity weakens the tooth and can lead to infection, pain, and even tooth loss.

Initially, you may not experience any symptoms of having a cavity. However, as it grows, you may notice the following signs:

• Tooth sensitivity

• Pain or discomfort when you bite down

• Minor to substantial pain when drinking or eating anything hot, cold, or sweet

• Staining on the tooth surface

• A sudden toothache or pain that appears out of nowhere

In addition to decay on the enamel crown of a tooth, there are two other vulnerable areas:

• Root Cavity: When gums recede due to gum disease or aggressive brushing, the root becomes exposed. Root structure is softer than enamel, so cavities can form easily. Around 10-20% of cavities start below the gumline. Adults over the age of 50, and particularly those over 70, are more prone to root decay.

• Recurrent Decay: This occurs when a previously placed filling becomes compromised. The edges or margins of the filling may break, allowing food and bacteria to seep underneath, which can’t be cleaned away by brushing alone. As a result, decay can reoccur.

How to Prevent Cavities

The best prevention is good home care and regular dental checkups. Brush for two minutes twice a day, floss once, and eat a balanced diet. Visiting us at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings helps you stay ahead of any potential issues.

Risk Factors for Developing Cavities

Certain factors can increase your risk of cavities:

• Regular consumption of sugary foods, snacks, and drinks

• Inadequate oral hygiene habits

• Tooth position: Decay is more common in the back teeth, particularly premolars and molars

• Lack of fluoride: Fluoride helps stop cavities and can even reverse early stages of damage

• Dry mouth

• Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia

• Acid reflux or GERD

• Compromised dental fillings or dental devices: These can allow plaque buildup, leading to decay

• Infant feeding at nighttime: Milk, juice, or sugary drinks left on a baby’s teeth overnight can cause baby bottle tooth decay. It’s best to avoid giving these beverages before bedtime.

Preventive Dentistry

As your dental team, we focus on preventive care and monitor potential problem areas. By catching small cavities early, we can repair them before they become larger and more costly to fix. Regular visits allow us to help keep harmful cavities at bay, saving you time and money in the long run.

Options for Fillings

There are several options for dental fillings, and we’ll work with you to choose the best one for your needs:

• Tooth-colored composite fillings: These match your natural tooth color and are ideal for visible teeth and molars.

• Silver-colored amalgam fillings: These have been used for many years but are less aesthetic than tooth-colored options. They can also cause sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks because they expand and contract with temperature changes.

• Cast-gold fillings: These are durable and make a personal statement. However, they are typically more expensive than other filling options.

If you’re looking for a dentist in Sherwood Park for your family, we would be pleased to welcome you to our practice, check the condition of your fillings, and discuss options that can help you smile with confidence! Call us at (780) 464-6266 to request your appointment today!