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  • The main causes of cavities and tooth decay

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Foundation Dental
Monday, 30 December 2013 / Published in Dental Implants Brisbane, Dental Tips, Latest News, Periodontics Brisbane

The main causes of cavities and tooth decay

Article by Ashley Henshaw

dental implants - Foundation Dental Services

There are few adults who can claim they’ve never had a cavity. Even though most people have experienced this condition, few know what actually happens to a tooth when it gets a cavity. For example, did you know that cavities are actually the term used to describe a type of tooth decay? Fortunately, it’s possible to have a few cavities and still have relatively healthy teeth. Better yet, there are some easy ways to help avoid getting cavities and save your teeth from tooth decay.

DEFINITION 

Cavities are a type of tooth decay that occurs when acids in dental plaque dissolve the enamel of the tooth’s surface, creating a physical hole or opening in the tooth. This is permanent damage to the tooth that cannot be fixed. Over time, cavities can become larger and deeper, so it’s important to seek treatment immediately.

TYPES

There are three main types of cavities, each of which are classified by the area of the tooth which they affect:

  1. Smooth surface cavities develop on the smooth sides of the teeth in the area where you would normally floss.
  2. Pit and fissure cavities develop on the top of the tooth which you use to chew your food.
  3. Root cavities develop under the visible part of the tooth on the surface that covers the roots of the teeth.

SYMPTOMS

There are many symptoms associated with cavities, including:

  • Toothache or tooth sensitivity
  • Pain when eating or drinking something with a hot or cold temperature
  • Pain when biting down
  • Pus around the tooth, particularly when pressing on the gums
  • Visible holes or pits in the teeth

It’s important to note that when a cavity first forms, there are often no symptoms present. That’s why it is important to see a dentist regularly even if you don’t believe you have any cavities – the doctors are able to spot cavities and ensure they don’t get any worse. If you do experience the signs and symptoms listed above, make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

The main cause of cavities is dental plaque. This soft, sticky film forms on the teeth when they are not cleaned sufficiently. The bacteria, acids and food particles in your mouth all combine to form plaque on the surface of the teeth. The acids in particular will start to wear away the tooth’s enamel. At this point, bacteria and acid start reaching even deeper levels of the teeth, including the dentin. By this time, a cavity has begun to form. However, the deeper layers of the teeth are not as resistant to bacteria and acids as the enamel, so the decay will continue to progress, making the cavity larger and much more serious.

Teeth at the back of your mouth – including the molars and premolars – are most susceptible to cavities because they are often used to grind and chew food. In addition, they contain numerous grooves and pits which make for excellent places for food particles and bacteria to get stuck and form plaque. These teeth are also harder to keep clean compared to the front teeth.

There are several risk factors which may contribute to a person’s increased odds of getting a cavity, such as:

  • Inadequate brushing and flossing
  • Frequent snacking and sipping
  • Eating certain foods, including anything sugary, starchy or sticky
  • Lack of fluoride, a mineral which added to public water systems and many toothpastes
  • Being in your childhood or teenage years
  • Being an older adult
  • Dry mouth
  • Having an eating disorder
  • Having frequent heartburn
  • Worn dental fillings or devices
  • Undergoing certain cancer treatments, such as radiation

PREVENTION

The best way to prevent cavities is to keep good oral hygiene habits. That includes brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. You can also brush your teeth after every meal for even better results. If you can’t brush after every meal, use a mouthwash or rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

In addition to brushing and flossing, seeing a dentist regularly is key to preventing cavities. These doctors will provide thorough cleanings and be able to detect cavities in their early stages. You can also talk to your dentist about dental sealants, which are protective plastic coatings applied to the teeth to help prevent cavities. These are strongly recommended for school-age children and can be replaced about every 10 years.

The last step in prevention concerns dieting habits. Avoid constantly snacking on foods or sipping on drinks, both of which expose your teeth to bacteria and acids relentlessly. You should also eat limited amounts of sticky, sugary and starchy foods, including chips, cookies and candy. Instead, have cheese, fresh fruits and veggies or sugar-free gum. These foods help prevent cavities by getting rid of excess food particles in the mouth.

TREATMENT

If cavities are caught in their early stages, they may be treated with fluoride. This can help to restore the enamel on the affected teeth. However, most cavities need to be fixed with a filling. For this process, the doctor drills away any decayed parts of the tooth and fills the hole with the filling to restore the tooth’s shape and prevent the cavity from worsening.

Extensive tooth decay requires a more intensive dental procedure, such as a crown (which covers the tooth) or a root canal (when the tooth pulp is removed and replaced with a filling). When a tooth is beyond repair, a dentist will perform an extraction. In these situations, a bridge or dental implant can be added to replace the missing tooth.

Article courtesy of: http://www.symptomfind.com/health/cavities-and-tooth-decay/

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Tagged under: Brisbane Dental Implants, Brisbane Implants, Brisbane Periodontist, Dental Implants Brisbane, Dental Specialist, Dr John Carrigy, Foundation Dental Services, Periodontal disease, Periodontics Brisbane

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Having had two implants done by Dr John Carrigy 12 years ago and absolutely no issues with them since, I didn’t hesitate to request a referral to Foundation Dental and Dr Carrigy when I needed another implant recently. Once again, I was most impressed with the preparation and care taken to ensure a sterile environment for the procedure, which was very reassuring. Furthermore, John explains what he is doing and why throughout. He takes the trouble to understand his patient and fully answer any questions or concerns. There was minimal pain or discomfort in the days after the procedure, and two weeks later everything has healed perfectly. I would recommend John Carrigy to anyone considering an implant. It beats all other options and the professionalism shown by Dr Carrigy is outstanding.
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Last time I had periodontal treatment I had to do two treatments with a huge general anaesthetic needle in my gums where each time I was in agony for days after.This time with Dr Carrigy I had one session where I had numbing gel applied to my gums and was out eating lunch with my friends an hour after treatment.Total cost this time was less than a third of the last treatment's cost and my out of pocket cost was only a few hundred dollars compared to thousands last time because I didn't blow all of my major dental health fund's cover like last time.I was really dreading going through perio treatment again but seeing someone who uses modern techniques with modern equipment is nowhere near as awful as my experience last time.
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00:42 15 Feb 22
I have known dr Carrigy for years ,words can not describe how amazing he is .He is very respectable ,honest ,modest and explain everything in simple empathetic language .He has had done a great job with gum longstanding disease and have amazing result and improvement .I highly recommended him if you need any thing related to gum or any relevant matter to his field
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04:34 27 May 22
Just had two implants commenced wit Dr. John Carrigy. Absolutely painless and done with skill and professionalism. I would absolutely recommend Foundation Dental to anybody seeking quality dental care. Dr. CARRIGY’s experience in dealing with DVA and his teamwork with Dr. Justin BOULTON (prosthedontist) is top shelf.
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22:17 10 May 24
Dr John Carrigy is a perfectionist. I had quite invasive implant work carried out and I can honestly say that I felt no pain or discomfort. He takes the time to explain the procedure, the equipment and fittings used in great detail. The Doctor put me at ease immediately. Healing was complete in two weeks, again with no pain or discomfort. I thoroughly recommend Dr Carrigy and his professional team for any dental work.
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23:01 03 Feb 25
Dr Carrigy and his entire team are extremely professional and caring. After two failed implants at a different business, Dr Carrigy managed a successful implant for me. The process was painless, and I couldn't recommend him highly enough. Thank you so much to the team at foundation dental!
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