How our private dentist can treat cavities
Cavities are one of the most common dental health problems to occur in the world and can occur at any age. In most cases, they are entirely preventable, but if left untreated can lead to severe dental problems and even tooth loss. Cavities can be prevented through avoiding sugary food and drink, visiting our private dentist in Sheffield for regular dental appointments and by maintaining good oral hygiene.
What are cavities and what causes them?
Cavities are small holes on the surface of your teeth that develop from areas of your teeth that are permanently damaged. Cavities appear when the bacteria in your mouth produce acids which destroy the enamel of your teeth and expose the dentine that lies beneath it.
Cavities are caused by a variety of factors; the most significant cause of cavities is an accumulation of bacteria in your mouth that comes into contact with sugar and starch particles from the food you eat, to form harmful acids that slowly erode the hard exterior layer of your teeth known as the enamel. Another contributing factor includes having bad oral hygiene; this can range from insufficient brushing or flossing to not having regular check-ups with our private dentist in Sheffield. Other causes of cavities include frequent snacking, which gives the bacteria in your mouth a constant supply of fuel to produce harmful acids, and a diet rich in sugars and starch.
What are the signs and symptoms of cavities?
Cavities can occur at any age, so it is important to keep an eye out for any signs or symptoms that may indicate that a cavity is forming. If you suspect that you may be developing a cavity, contact our private dentist in Sheffield as soon as possible so they can tackle the issue straight away. Cavities that occur on the exterior surface of the enamel do not usually cause any pain or present any symptoms, which is why at S10 Dental we highly recommend keeping up to date with your dental appointments, as our dentist will be able to detect early signs that you may miss.
Signs and symptoms that may suggest you have a cavity include sudden pain in your teeth that is long-lasting and recurring, bad breath, bleeding, or inflamed gums, tooth staining, swelling of the face and the jaw, and sensitivity in your teeth when you bite or when you eat or drink hot or cold food. If your cavities have had time to develop, you may even notice some holes in your teeth.
How are cavities treated?
The first step in treating cavities is to manage the pain; this can be achieved through taking over-the-counter painkillers and NSAIDs to address pain and inflammation that may be present in your tooth or gums. There are also several home remedies you can carry out to try and relieve some of the pain including brushing your teeth with warm water, avoiding food and drinks that are too hot or too cold, and brushing your teeth with a toothpaste specifically tailored for those who suffer with tooth sensitivity.
If your cavity has become more advanced, you may require professional dental treatment; this involves the dentist drilling the decayed part of your tooth to remove it and then filling the hole with a replacement filling. Alternatively, our dentist may choose to fit a crown over your tooth if there is not much enamel left due to the level of decay you have.