Cavities
Cavities are tiny holes in your teeth that have developed from decay. Left untreated, cavities will get larger, and can cause toothache and possible loss of teeth. Anybody can get a cavity, but you put yourself at greater risk if you don't brush regularly, or frequently consume sweets or sugary drinks. Your dentist can help prevent cavities with fluoride treatments, and can find them by taking pictures (X-rays) of the teeth. Once found, the dentist may treat your cavity with a filling or if extensive, with a crown. If there has been an extensive infection, other treatments, including antibiotics or a root canal surgery may be indicated.
Recently Answered
- Q How do cavities relate to dental fillings?
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The connection between cavities and fillings is that when you have a cavity, a filling is commonly used to treat it. A cavity is a hole caused by tooth decay. The filling is used to fill this hole. There are several different types of materials that can... Full Answer
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- Q What is the use of dental fillings?
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Dr. Saul Miller, DentistryA dental filling, which may be placed with a variety of materials, restores a fractured, chipped, decayed and sometimes worn tooth. When a tooth has extensive deterioration, a large filling can restore the tooth but not necessarily keep the weak... Full Answer
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- Q Does fluoride help prevent tooth decay?
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Teeth cavities used to be a fact of life. But over the past few decades, tooth decay has been reduced dramatically. The key reason: fluoride. Research has shown that fluoride reduces cavities in both children and adults. It also helps repair the... Full Answer
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- Q What is tooth decay?
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Tooth decay is a destruction of the tooth enamel. It occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as milk, pop, raisins, cakes or candy are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods,... Full Answer
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- Q How do eating disorders relate to cavities?
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Eating disorders can seriously affect a person’s oral health. Without the proper nutrition, gums and other soft tissue inside the mouth may bleed easily. The glands that produce saliva may swell and individuals may experience chronic dry mouth,... Full Answer
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- Q What are pit and fissure cavities?
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Pit and fissure cavities are areas of decay on your molars, which are the larger teeth towards the back of your mouth. This type of cavity forms in the narrow grooves on the biting surfaces of these teeth. Because of the way these teeth... Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage my cavities on a daily basis?
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If you know you have cavities, you should schedule a dental visit right away. Regular dental visits help keep our mouths healthy, and they enable the dentist to monitor us for any potential oral health problems, such as gum disease. For cavity... Full Answer
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- Q What types of food should someone with cavities avoid?
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If you have cavities it's a good idea to avoid very hard and very sticky foods. These foods can get stuck to the cavity filling. In addition, some sugary foods or extremely hot and cold foods may cause you sensitivity. Full Answer
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- Q What are dental sealants?
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Sealants can help protect your teeth from the areas your toothbrush can't reach. Watch as Dr. Maria Lopez Howell explains how sealants can help protect your teeth from decay. Full Answer
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- Q Why are adults at risk for tooth decay?
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Changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem. Recession of the gums away from the teeth, combined with an increased incidence of periodontal (gum) disease, can expose tooth roots to plaque. Tooth roots are covered with cementum, a softer... Full Answer
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