A cavity is caused by tooth decay, and can be very painful. It is important to see a dentist to examine and repair the tooth if you have a cavity, or it could get infected and cause a tooth abscess. Cavities can affect both the outer part of a tooth (enamel) and the inner part (dentin).
What causes decay? Sugar, carbohydrates, and acid. These things cause bacteria, which will cause acid that mixes with saliva and forms plaque. The plaque stays on your teeth and will dissolve the enamel and create holes, which are cavities. There are many dentists in Mississauga that can tell you how to prevent tooth decay and cavities.
Who Gets Cavities?
A lot of people assume that only kids can get cavities. Without the proper care and regular check-ups, you can fall prey to gum disease. This disease will cause your gums to recede, and will expose your roots to plaque. If you eat foods high in sugar and carbohydrates, you will probably get cavities. Older people may sometimes get decay around the edges of their fillings. Eventually these fillings will deteriorate and cause the teeth to break. The short answer is that everyone can be prone to cavities. See a dentist in Mississauga who’d be able to tell you if you have any.
How Cavities are Taken Care Of
The way the dentist treats the problem depends on how bad the cavity is. Usually, the dentist will remove the bad parts of the teeth with a drill, and will then fill the hole. He will either use a silver alloy, gold, porcelain, or composite resin filling.
The dentist will use a crown instead when the tooth is too decayed to save. He will fit a crown over what is left of the decayed tooth. If the root of the tooth is dead you will need a root canal. In this case you will need to make an appointment with a special dentist in Mississauga. He or she will take out the nerve while taking out the damaged parts of the tooth, then will fill in the root with some type of sealant.
Preventing Tooth Decay
The best thing for cavities and tooth decay is prevention. You must brush your teeth at least twice a day, and use floss daily to get in between your teeth. Eat less candy, snacks, and beverages that have sugar, carbohydrates, and acids in them. You can also use a mouthwash or rinse that has fluoride in it after brushing, and after eating sticky or sugary foods. Drinking fluoridated water can also help protect your teeth from tooth decay and cavities.
Keep in mind all of these factors, but remember: the best way to prevent cavities is to see your dentist in Mississauga regularly!
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