Cavities Specialist

What is a cavity? 

A cavity is a small hole that forms in your tooth as a result of decay. Harmful bacteria can reach the soft tissue inside your teeth through cavities. Over time, cavities can get bigger and worsen, allowing for more bacteria to get inside. 

Cavities are often thought to be more common in children, but anyone can get cavities. It’s very important to get treatment on a cavity as soon as possible. Decay inside your tooth can progress and lead to needing a tooth extraction. 

What causes cavities? 

The most common cause of cavities is poor oral hygiene. When you don’t brush and floss properly, plaque accumulates in pockets around your gum line. Over time, a buildup of plaque creates an environment where harmful bacteria from the food you eat can create small holes in your teeth. 

There are also a variety of risk factors involved, including: 

• Dry mouth
• Eating disorders
• Heartburn 
• Tooth location (some teeth are more vulnerable to cavities)

Your diet is also a factor when it comes to developing cavities. A high-sugar diet of snack foods and sugary soft drinks is a leading cause of cavities. That’s why cavities are very common in children. 

How are cavities treated? 

The team at Goldstein & Freud, DDS, PLLC, treats cavities with fillings. Fillings are dental devices that fill in cavities and restore the health and appearance of your teeth. 

You can get a filling during a short appointment at the office. Once your dentist spots a cavity, often during a routine general exam, you should schedule an appointment to get a filling right away. 

A filling procedure takes less than 30 minutes. Your dentist uses either white, tooth-colored composite resin or silver to fill in cavities. Both options are durable and long-lasting. The key difference is that tooth-colored fillings blend in more seamlessly with the rest of your smile. 

During the procedure, your dentist first cleans the cavity thoroughly. Then they fill in the hole with the filling material, mold it into the proper shape, and harden it with a special light. After a final polish, your filling is all set. 

How do you prevent cavities?

The best way to prevent cavities is to practice good oral hygiene and come into the office for your regularly scheduled general exams and cleanings. Also, try to limit your sugar intake and eat a healthy, balanced diet. 

If you need to set up an appointment to deal with a cavity, call the office or use the online scheduling tool today.