Family Dentist

Family Dentist Questions: What Causes Cavities?

Choosing to ask a family dentist any questions that support the health of one’s mouth is encouraged. The more one knows about what it takes to experience good oral health, the more likely they are to have good oral health. Since cavities are preventable and treatable, understanding their cause is necessary.

What can cause cavities to form

A family dentist is a great resource to utilize when looking to get routine dental care for both children and adults. Additionally, family dentists can help answer various questions about oral health. One of the more common questions that patients have is related to cavity prevention. It is necessary for patients to understand what can cause cavities to form in their teeth, as once they have this information, they can take the necessary steps to prevent cavity formation.

According to the American Dental Association, a cavity is a hole in a tooth. But, what causes these holes to form in the first place? Plaque is the root cause of cavities as it not only sticks to the teeth, but it is also full of bad bacteria and acids, both of which can cause the teeth harm. Plaque is removed from the teeth through brushing and flossing and when someone does not regularly brush and floss their teeth, they are going to experience a buildup of plaque. The longer the plaque stays on teeth, the higher the chances are of being diagnosed with a cavity.

Plaque will eventually remove the minerals from a tooth’s outer enamel. This removal of minerals will begin to cause the tooth to erode in certain places, which is what begins to cause the holes in a tooth. These holes are considered to be the first stage of getting a cavity. Once the holes become larger, the plaque starts to reach the next layer of the tooth, which is known as the dentin. Because this layer of the tooth is directly connected with the nerve of the tooth, it is only a matter of time before the patient begins to experience some level of discomfort or pain.

How cavities are treated

Once a patient is diagnosed with a cavity, treatment is necessary in order to repair the tooth. Depending on whether or not the cavity is in its beginning or later stages will determine the type of treatment a family dentist will use to treat the cavity. Examples of treatment options include undergoing fluoride, getting a dental filling, having a dental crown placed over the tooth and undergoing a root canal procedure. If the cavity is severe enough that it has caused the tooth to become so damaged that it cannot be repaired, then the tooth will need to be extracted from the mouth.

Find out more from a family dentist

Understanding what causes cavities can be helpful in preventing them in the future. Working closely with a family dentist is a great place to start. An evaluation can be done in order to identify causes, which will then help with prevention. Reach out today to learn more. 

Are you considering using a family dentist in the Kennett Square area? Get more information at https://www.leardidental.com.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Family Dentist in Kennett Square, PA.

Recent Posts

A Family Dentist Shares How To Save A Damaged Tooth

Do you have a damaged tooth? Read on to learn how a family dentist can help you get your smile's function and appeal back. You could be disheartened if you damage a tooth, but the good news is that a family dentist can restore the tooth.The dentist will usually examine the affected tooth to know…

How A Family Dentist Deals With Cavities

Cavities in adults and children are inevitable, but they are easy for a family dentist to treat if prevention does not work. All dentists are trained to help patients avoid cavities by cleaning teeth and gums and offering advice on oral care. If a cavity forms, the dentist can remove the damaged tooth material and…

When To Take A Child To A Family Dentist

Considering seeing a family dentist? These general dentists undergo training to learn how to care for patients of different ages, including children. Family dentists are great resources to utilize as they can provide oral health care for the entire family, thus making them convenient options for parents looking to get everything done at once. Additionally,…

A Family Dentist Discusses Ways To Reverse Tooth Decay

Looking for a new family dentist? Tooth decay refers to the erosion of dental enamel. When complete tooth decay occurs, the effects are irreversible, but weakened enamel can be restored and strengthened through treatment from a family dentist. If you have weakened enamel or tooth decay, then it is important to seek urgent treatment from…

Dr. Leardi

Share
Published by
Dr. Leardi

Recent Posts

What to Ask a Kid Friendly Dentist About Your Child’s Oral Hygiene

A kid-friendly dentist treats oral health concerns in children. However, an equally important part of…

1 year ago

Get a Dental Implant Restoration After Tooth Extraction

A dental implant restoration is often recommended after tooth extraction, as it prevents bone loss…

1 year ago

Preventive Dental Care Reduces the Risk of Contracting Oral Health Conditions

Learn how a preventive dental care plan can help you avoid contracting oral health conditions.

1 year ago

The Need for Dental Veneers

If you desire a more aesthetically pleasing smile, dental veneers are options that you should…

2 years ago

Periodontics: Understand an Implant Procedure

Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that prioritizes issues that affect the gums and the…

2 years ago

A Family Dentist Shares How to Save a Damaged Tooth

Do you have a damaged tooth? Read on to learn how a family dentist can…

2 years ago