Index
When we talk about visiting a dentist, one of the main problems we want to prevent is the famous cavities. This is because they are the main causes of toothache worldwide, and they can also evolve to really severe conditions when not treated correctly. For that reason, in today’s text we will cover everything you need to know about tooth decay . What they are, why they should be treated and how these treatments work. Want to know more? Check it out now!
What are Dental Caries? How do they arise?
Dental caries is a problem that occurs when there is a large accumulation of plaque on our teeth. Certain types of food, such as very acid and, mainly, sugars, cause such bacterial plaques to have a chemical reaction that facilitates their attack on the teeth, weakening the enamel and, consequently, creating a decay.
Certain types of cavities are more common in children due to the fact that they are learning to brush their teeth and often do not perform this task in the best way. In such cases, it is up to the parents to supervise and prevent problems like this from appearing.
Caries-causing bacteria can also be transmitted from one person to another , through kisses or even by dividing cutlery and glasses, for example. Still, if a person acquires this bacterium and has good oral hygiene, it is very unlikely that they will have problems in this regard.
How do cavities develop?
Cavities can develop in basically three ways. Are they:
- On the Surface of the Teeth
- Between the Teeth
- At the Root of the Teeth
Let’s talk about how each one of them occurs so that you have a better idea of how they are formed.
On the Surface of the Teeth
This is perhaps the most common and easiest type of caries to treat . It occurs on the surface, that is, on the part of the teeth that we use to bite. It occurs more easily because it is exactly in this region that most of the food is stuck and tends to develop plaque when we do not brush it properly.
Between the Teeth
This type of caries usually occurs when plaque accumulates in places where access to brush is more difficult , which also makes it easier for it to grow. For this reason, using other means of cleaning your teeth such as dental floss and mouthwashes is so important to prevent any type of problem from occurring.
At the Root of the Teeth
This type of caries is more common in people who have smaller gums, but it can occur with anyone. Of all those mentioned here, it is the most complicated to treat , since it requires a much more delicate treatment. It is also the type of caries that usually causes the most pain.
Carie’s Symptoms
Identifying a cavity is not a very difficult task, since it has several very characteristic symptoms, such as:
- Acute pains in the tooth where the caries is
- Small holes in the decayed tooth
- Sensitivity in the decayed tooth
- White or brown spots on the decayed tooth
- Swollen or even painful gum
When experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible so that you can start a treatment and prevent this type of problem from developing into even more dangerous conditions, such as a dental canal, for example.
Caries Treatment
There is only one known way to treat cavities, other than the famous restoration . This procedure has as main objective to make the tooth affected by a cavity return to normal. For this, the dentist “opens” the tooth and reaches the part that is affected. From that point on, a cleaning process begins, which can take more or less time, depending on the level at which the decay is found.
After that, the dentist seals the tooth. Such sealing can be done with several types of material, ranging from a simple resin to gold. However, it is very common for restorations to be made with porcelain for aesthetic reasons, since this material has a consistency and colors similar to those of our teeth.
As we have already said, the duration of a restoration can vary according to caries, but it usually lasts less than an hour. If a person has many cavities, it is common that they need to make several visits to the dentist so that all restorations are done correctly.
How to prevent cavities?
Although there is treatment, it is important to prevent cavities from appearing, as they can cause pain and discomfort that hinder us from living normally. To prevent this type of problem, some measures must be taken, such as:
- Brush your teeth after every meal, upon waking up and before going to sleep
- Use floss every day
- Use mouthwashes
- Visit a dentist at least once every 6 months
With these simple attitudes you prevent cavities from arising and, consequently, all the problems they can bring.
Cavities are quite common problems, but they should not appear frequently in your life. Knowing how to prevent is the best way to be able to live a healthy life, eating what you like and enjoying life as it should be. This is the most effective way to make sure that this type of problem does not become a major issue in your life. After all, we all want to live well and with good oral health.
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
