Did you know that a cavity is just another way of saying dental decay? You likely know that what you eat can impact whether or not you develop cavities, but did you know that there may be other factors? How well you take care of your teeth will greatly influence your risk factor for cavities. You can make a difference by introducing fluoride in your routine to lower the risk of cavities. However, heredity can also factor in to how susceptible your teeth are to decay.
There are three types of cavities:
-Coronal cavities: These are the most common kind and typically occur on the surfaces or between the teeth.
-Root cavities: When your gums begin to recede, your roots may be exposed. Because your roots are not protected by enamel, they can decay easily.
-Recurrent decay: Plaque may build up frequently around existing fillings and form new cavities.
Tooth decay is not something that should be treated lightly. If a cavity is not taken care of it can lead to an abscess, or an infection in the tip of the nerve, which may have to be treated by antibiotics, a root canal, surgically or by extracting the tooth itself.
To help prevent cavities you can:
-Practice good dental health by brushing twice a day and flossing once daily.
-Eat a balanced diet and try to limit sugary, starchy or acidic snacks.
-Use dental products containing fluoride.
-Have regular dental checkups to check for signs of decay. This can help keep small problems from becoming much bigger issues.
For more questions, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rai, call Rai Family Dental at 540-657-0867 We enjoy helping the people of the Stafford, VA, area enjoy greater dental health.