Tips on How to Maintain Your Teeth and Keep Them Free from Cavities
Proper oral care is necessary if you want your teeth to be strong and healthy. Despite this, most people tend to ignore some of its basic rules, thus creating conditions that facilitate the development of dental caries, cavities, and other related dental illnesses.
One should also note that the absence of pain does not necessarily mean that you do not have a cavity. It’s possible to go for months without ever experiencing tooth pain, but the cavity has formed.
Going for regular check-ups and teeth cleaning allows your dentist to spot cavities early before its symptoms start to show enabling him/her to address the issue.Therefore prevents it from becoming an emergency and saves you money.
Various oral problems cause toothaches,and the degree of pain will vary depending on what is causing it. Sometimes people will ignore the pains and aches only for the situation to worsen with time.
Since all parts of the body are connected, it is usually challenging to identify the cause ofa toothache, meaning that you will need a proper diagnosis as this is the best way to find relief and prevent yourself against broader issues.
What is aCavity?
A cavity is a permanently damaged part of the teeth enamel that develops into small holes or openings. It is caused by various factors such as the bacterial found in your oral cavity, failure to clean your teeth properly, frequent snacking, and taking lots of sugary drinks. It is a common problem in older adults, children, and teenagers.
If dental caries is not treated, the hole gets larger with time affecting the inner layers of the teeth, and this can lead to an infection, severe toothache, and even tooth loss.
Its Symptoms
The symptoms of dental carries will vary, and they depend on the location of the affected part and the extent of the decay. In its early stages, no symptoms are visible, but as it progresses, the signs start to show. Some of the signs you are likely to notice are:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Visible pits or holes in the teeth
- A black, white, or brown staining on the enamel
- Frequent sharp pain when biting or chewing food
- Spontaneous toothaches.
Signs and Symptoms of Dental Emergencies
Dr. Teeth is a dental clinic that offers teeth whitening services, dental implants, bridges, and also emergency dental care in Katy, TX, among many more. To keep you in the loop about dental emergencies, below are the signs that indicate you need to see an emergency dentist in Katy, TX.
- Swollen jaw – A swollen jaw indicates the possibility of infection, especially that of the salivary gland. Seek immediate assistance from a qualified professional if you show this symptom.
- Bleeding and aching gums – Healthy gums should not bleed after a brushing or flossing activity. Excessive and recurring bleeding of the gums is a sign of periodontal disease.
- Severe toothache – This is an indication that it is time for you to see a dentist and get your problem treated.
- Loose tooth – An adult should not experience wiggly or loose teeth, and if any of yours is, you should be much concerned.
- Presence of an abscess – Signs of an abscess should make you book an appointment with an emergency dentist as it indicates a tooth root infection.
How to Prevent Cavities and Other Oral Issues
- Plan a visit to your dental practitioner at least twice in a year. Most dental clinics will schedule your appointments according to the state of your oral health.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth after every meal. This helps to get rid of the food residues that stick in between your teeth.
- People who are at a higher risk of getting cavities are advised to rinse their mouth with fluoride frequently.
- Eat foods that are healthy for your teeth.
- Avoid taking sugary foods and beverages as they create an acidic environment that is suitable for bacteria to thrive.
- Use dental sealants or fluoride treatments to lower your chances of developing teeth decay.
- Drink tap water. Most of the water that is supplied to the public has fluoride, which significantly reduces decay.