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 What are the symptoms of tooth decay?
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Some symptoms of tooth decay are sensitivity to hot and cold foods or touch. This is a result of another symptom- your gums receding away from the teeth. That's because this exposures tooth roots to plaque that can then lead to decay. The best course of... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk of tooth decay?
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Some factors that may increase a person's risk of developing tooth decay include the following: poor oral hygiene active tooth decay eating disorders drug or alcohol abuse lack of regular professional dental care active orthodontic treatment... Full Answer
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- Q Where in the mouth do cavities often develop?
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Cavities typically occur where the gums and teeth come together. Recession of the gums away from the teeth, combined with an increased incidence of gum disease, can expose tooth roots to plaque. They are also common in the back teeth, as these can be... Full Answer
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- Q What is the best way to prevent cavities?
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Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on sugary and starchy foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. You can help prevent tooth decay by following these tips: Brush... Full Answer
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- Q What is plaque?
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Plaque is the sticky film that covers your teeth. Listen as Dr. Maria Lopez Howell explains how to prevent plaque buildup and how to treat it. Full Answer
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- Q How does fluoride help oral hygiene?
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Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. Studies show that community water fluoridation prevents at least 25 percent of tooth decay in children and adults. The average lifetime cost per person to fluoridate a water supply is less than the cost of one... Full Answer
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- Q How is plaque related to cavities?
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Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, constantly forms on your teeth. When you eat or drink foods containing sugars or starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with... Full Answer
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- Q How does plaque cause tooth decay?
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Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria. When you do not remove plaque from your teeth daily, it builds up. Plaque bacteria use sugar to produce acids that attack enamel, the hard surface of the tooth. This acid attacks tooth enamel for up to 20... Full Answer
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- Q How does tooth decay damage teeth?
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Tooth decay (commonly called a cavity) is damaging because it creates holes that weaken the tooth structure. When the damage is small, your dentist can easily fix it. Sometimes decay can be so destructive that it penetrates all the way into the... Full Answer
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- Q How does fluoride prevent tooth decay?
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Saliva is the mouth's primary defense against tooth decay. Research has proven that fluoride works to prevent tooth decay by boosting the ability of saliva to return lost minerals to tooth enamel before cavities can develop. Saliva enhances... Full Answer
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