You probably know quite a few people who have had cavities. While they’re not always easy to avoid—especially when routines change and oral health sometimes gets put on the back burner—there are warning signs to watch for so you can take action before they get worse.
What causes cavities?
A cavity is caused by the weakening of enamel on your tooth. As bacteria latch on, it builds up plaque on your tooth’s surface, creating acids that cause holes. These holes can reach down into your sensitive inner tooth layer known as the dentin layer. Once in there, the bacteria can cause tooth decay and potentially tooth loss.
Cavities can form in a variety of ways. If your daily cleaning techniques of flossing, brushing, or using mouthwash, aren’t thorough, cavities will start. If you over-brush with too much pressure or for too much time, it wears down the enamel and exposes the vulnerable layer of your tooth, causing cavities too.
Cavities can also form from sugary, acidic, and snack-heavy foods. Every time you eat them, you risk wearing down your enamel due to the acids. If you’re not cleaning your teeth well after consuming foods or drinks, the damage only worsens. To keep your teeth happy and healthy, make sure you’re not only eating well but also cleaning properly.
What are the common signs of cavities?
Anyone of any age is prone to getting cavities. Sometimes you can’t avoid it, no matter how often you brush your teeth. Here are some common signs to watch out for:
- Consistent sharp pain in the same tooth.
- Sensitivity to chewing food and drinking hot or cold beverages.
- A visible hole or dark spot when you look at your tooth in the mirror.
There’s also a chance that a previous tooth filling has popped out, causing pain to come back too. If you are noticing any of the common signs mentioned above, out of the blue, visit a dentist as soon as possible.
How to treat a cavity
A dental filling is the solution to a cavity. This procedure repairs a damaged tooth by removing the bad bacteria trapped inside of it. It’s done in 5 main steps:
- A dentist will give you local anesthetic or gel to numb the area of your mouth you are experiencing pain. This is to help you to avoid feeling any discomfort during the procedure.
- Next, the dentist may place a rubber dam into your mouth to keep the tooth away from saliva and dry during the procedure. They’ll also add in a bite block to keep your jaw wide open. It’s not the comfiest because you can’t close your mouth, but it’s only for a short time.
- The dentist will use a high-speed handpiece to clean the bacteria out of your tooth, as well as a suction tube which is placed in your mouth to remove any potential salvia or debris from getting into your vulnerable tooth opening.
- Once emptied and cleaned, it’s filled with a dental filling. There are a variety of materials that can be used like Amalgam ( which is a metal alloy made of Mercury, silver and aluminum) or more commonly, composite resin (white filling material ). There are other types of materials like gold alloys or porcelain that can also be used which are termed “inlays”.
- Finally, the dentist will polish and smooth out the filling in your tooth until it feels natural and fits with your bite and jaw.
How does a tooth filling work?
In general, getting a filling at the dentist can be done either as a direct filling or as an indirect filling. Here are the key differences between the two.
- Direct: With a direct filling, a dentist will put the filling material into your tooth and harden it in one appointment.
- Indirect: The dentist will take your moulded tooth impression or scan and create fillings outside of your appointment. These are then placed and cemented onto the damaged tooth in a follow-up appointment. In indirect cases, the tooth is usually too damaged to get a direct filling but not bad enough to need a dental crown.
Both types of tooth fillings should be spoken about well in advance so both the patient and dentist are on the same page.
How to know if you need a tooth filling
A common question we get is, ‘How do I know if I need a filling?’ A filling is necessary when a cavity is detected in the tooth, like mentioned above. To determine if a filling is needed, your dentist will examine the tooth and may take an X-ray to assess the extent of the damage. If you’re already experiencing pain, there’s a high chance a filling will be recommended.
Also, patients come in for their 6 month check ups and dentists often spot cavities that are beginning to form. From there, they’ll inform patients to work on their oral health rituals and take precautions before they rapidly get worse.
Either way, pay attention to the signs and signals because they will tell you if something is wrong. And if it is, don’t wait it out and hope it gets better- they never fix themselves- go to a dentist today!
Take care of your teeth and be free of cavities
Good habits, like using fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth and brushing thoroughly to reach all the small spaces, are great ways to keep your teeth healthy. While they’re essential for maintaining oral health, they may not reverse damage that’s already occurred.
If you’ve been dealing with a tooth that’s been bothering you for a while, it’s time to get professional help. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Our team at Oakleigh Dental is dedicated to preserving your natural smile with expert care. With talented dental professionals, we are equipped to handle any and all cavity issues, questions, or concerns.
Reach out to book a consultation with us today.
