Going to the dentist and finding out you have a cavity can feel a lot like getting a C or a D on your report card back in grade school. And, it can be especially frustrating when you feel you’ve done everything possible to keep cavities from forming. You brush your teeth twice a day. You floss. You don’t consume a whole lot of excess sugar. 

So, why do you have cavities? And, if you do, what are your options to prevent further tooth decay? We’ve got the answers.

What are cavities, and how do they form?

We know how frustrating it can be to discover you have a cavity. And, chances are, it doesn’t feel all that wonderful in your mouth either. So, the first thing we want to tell you is that sometimes, despite your best intentions, cavities happen. And they’re not something to beat yourself up over.

Cavities form when bacteria in your mouth break down sugars and starches from food into acids. These acids combined with saliva, food particles, and bacteria form plaque. When plaque sticks to your teeth, it erodes the outer layer, the enamel.

Over time, this erosion creates tiny holes in the enamel, which are the beginnings of a cavity. If left untreated, the cavity can grow, penetrating deeper into the tooth’s structure and leading to pain, sensitivity, or even infection. Regular dental care can help reduce plaque buildup, but once a cavity forms, treatment is required to prevent it from worsening.

Why Cavities Won’t Go Away Without Treatment

What you really need to understand about cavities is that they don’t go away on their own. Cavities require professional dental care from a dentist who specializes in general dentistry, so they can remove the cavity and fill in the space left behind with the appropriate materials to keep it from getting worse.

Before we get too deep into fillings and other cavity treatments, let’s talk about the signs that you might have a cavity.

• Sudden Tooth Pain: Sharp discomfort when consuming sugary and hot or cold foods and drinks
• Sensitivity: Ongoing discomfort from hot, cold, or sweet items
• Tooth Stains: Discolored areas, which may appear brown, black, or white
• Visible Holes or Pits: Noticeable indentations on the surface of the tooth
• Unpleasant Taste or Breath: Persistent bad taste or odor in the mouth
• Pus or Swelling: Indicates an infection, often accompanied by severe pain, fever, and swollen glands
• Chalky Appearance: Dull or cloudy spots, a sign that the enamel may be weakening
• Odd Sensations: Unusual sensations when chewing, such as a sudden twinge

Treatment Options for Cavities

As we said above, cavities should not be left to fester, and treatment is needed to prevent further oral health issues and infections. And we have great news! Cavity treatment is relatively simple, more comfortable, and more painless than ever.

Here are the common cavity treatment options that your dentist in Sioux Falls may recommend if you require tooth decay treatment.

• Fillings: Fillings are the most frequent solution for restoring a tooth after decay is removed. They seal the area to prevent further damage and stop the toothache caused by the cavity.
• Crowns: If a cavity is large and compromises the structure of the tooth, a crown is often recommended. Crowns cover the tooth, providing protection and strength.
• Root Canal: When decay has reached the tooth’s pulp, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infection and save the tooth. This treatment helps alleviate persistent tooth pain, often leading people to search for home remedies beforehand.
• Extraction: As a last resort, extraction is considered when the tooth is too damaged to repair. This option prevents further complications from a severely decayed or infected tooth.

Preventing Future Cavities

Preventing future cavities requires much of the same oral hygiene strategies that you might have already been taking. Brushing and flossing regularly is one of the best strategies against tooth decay that there is. But, there are some other things you should be doing as well.

• Visit the dentist every six months. Remember that plaque we mentioned earlier? Unfortunately, plaque can sometimes be hard to get to. And, before you know it, that plaque can turn into tartar, which simply can’t be removed with a toothbrush or a string of floss. A professional dental cleaning can help scale away tough tartar before it starts to develop into your next cavity.
• Reduce sugar intake. Limiting sugary foods and drinks can help reduce the fuel that harmful bacteria use to create cavity-causing acids. Cutting back on sweets and processed foods lowers the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay.
• Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated throughout the day helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids in the mouth. Drinking water, especially after meals or sugary snacks, can assist in keeping your teeth clean and maintaining a balanced oral environment.

Schedule your next dental visit at Sensations Smiles in Sioux Falls.

The team here at Sensational Smiles is ready to help you achieve a healthy and happy smile that is free from tooth decay. During your professional dental cleaning, we’ll be happy to share more useful tips for healthy teeth and answer any questions you may have.

Request an appointment today to lessen your risk of future cavities.