Cavities left untreated can destroy your teeth and possibly create more serious issues. When food and bacteria build up in your teeth, it can form plaque. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that have the ability to erode the enamel on the surface of your teeth. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can help get rid of the sticky plaque.
If the plaque is allowed to build up, it can continue to eat away at your teeth and create cavities. A cavity forms a hole in your tooth. If left untreated, a cavity can eventually destroy your tooth. An untreated cavity can also create more serious complications, like a tooth abscess or an infection that gets into your bloodstream, which can be life threatening. Frequently eating foods that tend to cling to your teeth may also increase your risk of a cavity. Some examples of these foods include:.
Although cavities are more common among children, adults are still at risk — especially as gums begin to recede away from the teeth, which exposes the roots to plaque.
There are several signs that may indicate the beginning of a cavity. There are also a number of red flags that an existing cavity is getting larger. When the enamel on your tooth starts to wear away, it can affect the dentin, which is the hard tissue layer below the enamel. After all, studies show that the vast majority of Americans dread getting cavities.
This is what causes cavities. But for some lucky people, the teeth can be remineralized by the nutrients found in saliva to stop cavities. They have natural grooves and ridges in different places. The more grooves and ridges, the more likely bacteria can find their way into these small spaces and cause cavities. These minerals, along with water and fluoride, help protect the enamel on our teeth from harmful bacteria.
Some people have a higher composition of certain minerals, which can give them an advantage in fighting cavities. Most adult cavities are formed in between the teeth. These are generally called interproximal cavities in dental terms. They occur when bacteria from food sits in between the teeth and if not removed with flossing, the bacteria will slowly start to eat away at the tooth and cause decay, or, a cavity.
Unfortunately, once a cavity is fully formed, it is nearly impossible to simply brush and make it go away. So, even if you forgot your floss on that family vacation from two months ago, you may have a cavity when you come in for your check-up. But think about it this way: our teeth have 5 sides, and all of them need to be cleaned on a regular basis. And remember, flossing only takes a few minutes a day — what else can you do for just a few minutes that can improve your health so much? So, how do you start the flossing habit?
Try flossing while watching TV, or while reading a book in bed. Ideally, you should floss soon after a meal, or before bedtime, as with brushing your tooth.
However, flossing is actually easier and more convenient because you can do it on the go. It is well known that smoking and tobacco use can cause many different medical problems. Smoking leads to disease and disability and harms nearly every organ of the body, and over 16 million Americans are living with a disease caused by smoking.
Smoking can do a lot more than just stain your teeth — this unhealthy habit can also lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and even oral cancer. For over years, general dentists and dental specialists at UIC have been providing expert and affordable comprehensive dental care in Chicago to restore smiles and improve oral health. Contact us today to reserve your evaluation visit and begin smiling healthy again!
At UIC, we help our patients take responsibility for their oral health through regular checkups, treatments, and providing them with the information to make their best decisions.
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