Preventing Cavities in Adults

Dental cavities are unfortunately a common occurrence, with about 90% of American adults having had at least one in their lifetime. But that doesn’t mean you’re destined to join that club – sticking with good dental habits (and avoiding some bad ones) can support your overall oral health and help increase your chances of a cavity-free life.

Stages of Cavities

A dental cavity doesn’t just appear in your tooth all of a sudden, it’s often a years-long progression of gradual tooth decay. So even once the process has begun, there are still many steps you can take to minimize the damage. 

Here are the stages of cavity formation, and the signs to look for:

1. Demineralization: your tooth’s outermost layer, the dental enamel, starts to be stripped of essential minerals, resulting in a weakened and often lighter-colored spot on the tooth.

2. Enamel decay: the enamel continues to break down, with the initial light spot darkening to a gray or brown color. Small holes may begin to form.

3. Dentin decay: once the tooth erosion reaches the layer underneath the enamel, known as dentin, the softer tissue will allow the decay to advance more rapidly. You may also begin to feel tooth sensitivity at this point.

4. Pulp damage: once the decay compromises the dentin layer, the innermost layer of your tooth – the pulp – is next. Pulp damage is generally quite painful, as the decay has now reached your nerves. 

5. Abscess: now compromised by decay, your pulp is vulnerable to infection, which can lead to severe pain, swelling of the areas around the tooth and even fever and swollen lymph nodes.

It’s vital to visit your dentist regularly so that they can monitor for a buildup of dental plaque and early signs of cavity formation. It’s important to catch things early because treatment options become more complex as the decay progresses – from a simple filling for enamel or dentin decay to a root canal or possible tooth extraction as damage continues into the pulp.

Preventing Tooth Decay & Dental Cavities

The old saying that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is especially true when it comes to taking care of your teeth. Preventing cavities from ever starting is the best way to ensure a happy, healthy mouth, so here are some preventative dental care tips to keep in mind:

• Watch what you eat!
  Sugary foods like candy get most of the blame for causing tooth decay, but many innocent-seeming foods can be equally damaging. For instance, chips and crackers (which turn into a carbohydrate-laden paste that fills every crevice in your teeth), raisins and other dried fruits (concentrated sugar that sticks to your teeth), and even diet soda (which doesn’t contain sugar but does contain enamel-damaging citric acid). As a general rule, the same foods that are nourishing for your body are also good for your teeth: fruits and vegetables, yogurt and cheese, lean protein and nuts, etc.

• Practice good dental hygiene.
  It’s the same advice your dentist has been giving you since you were a kid, but brushing your teeth with quality dental hygiene products at least twice a day is still your best line of defense against cavities.

• Choose fluoride.
  You’re probably already getting a dose of fluoride if you drink your city’s tap water, but you can build more lines of defense by choosing a fluoride toothpaste and even adding a fluoride rinse to your dental care routine. Your dentist may also recommend a periodic in-office fluoride treatment.

• Consider dental sealants.
  This protective plastic coating (commonly applied to the back teeth) protects tooth enamel from plaque and acid and may last for several years before needing to be replaced.

• Drink plenty of water.
  In addition to providing a dose of fluoride (if you’re drinking tap water), water also helps flush food particles out of your teeth and keep your mouth hydrated by supporting saliva production.  

Small steps add up when it comes to protecting your teeth from cavities. With some strong oral hygiene practices and regular dental examinations, you can keep your teeth strong and healthy for a lifetime of smiles. Contact Brightwork Family Dentistry today to book a consultation.