Cavities
What are cavities?
- Cavities are tiny holes in your teeth caused by tooth decay.
- They start small and grow if you ignore them
- You might not feel pain at first, so regular check-ups are key!
Signs you might have a cavity?
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
- Visible holes or pits in your teeth.
- Pain when chewing or out-of-nowhere toothaches.
- Black or white stains on your teeth.
Why do cavities happen?
- Sugar is a major culprit! After indulging in that sugary soft drink or sweet snack, bacteria in your mouth turn sugar into acid.
- This acid forms plaque, which sticks to your teeth and eats away at the enamel
- Poor brushing, not enough fluoride, and dry mouth make it worse.
How to treat them?
- Fillings: Dentist removes decay and fills the hole
- Crowns: For bigger damage, they’ll cover your tooth with a protective cap.
- Root canal: If decay hits the nerve, they clean out the infection and save the tooth.
- Fluoride treatment: Caught early, a boost of fluoride can stop a cavity in its tracks.
Keep cavities away?
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily
- Eat fewer sweets and acidic foods
- Visit the dentist twice a year