According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, cavities are the most prevalent chronic disease in the United States. They affect men, women and children and often go untreated – even though cavities are preventable. In the late 17th century, French physician Pierre Fauchard cited sugar as a potential cause of cavities. Our team can help you develop a strategy to fight caries bacteria and take control of your dental health.
That’s because cavities develop below the tooth’s surface, where you can’t see them. When you eat foods that contain carbohydrates , these carbohydrates are eaten by the bacteria in plaque, producing acids that eat into the tooth. Over time, the tooth enamel begins to break down beneath the surface while the surface remains intact.
Try to look for a sugar-free vitamin solution for your children instead. Asking yourself, “Why do I keep getting cavities?” Keep reading to discover the nine hidden causes of cavities. With this guide, you can lower your risk of developing cavities. Composite resin more closely match the natural tooth appearance, and are preferred for front teeth. There is a trend to use high strength composite resin in the back teeth as well. University of Florida Health knows how important ongoing medical learning is to health care providers and the community.
Almost 25 percent of children younger than 5 and 50 percent of 5- and 6-year-olds have cavities. Identify factors that might increase your risk for cavities. And beyond the applications for treating this specific disease, the researchers say, the new findings might be applicable in microbial biology in general.
These destructive forces include frequent exposure to foods rich in sugar and carbohydrates. Proper dental hygiene may help prevent caries from developing. This includes cleaning your teeth using a manual or electric toothbrush and dental floss to reach between your teeth. Being seen regularly by your prosthodontist is recommended so you can work to fix or prevent significant problems.
If the decay reaches the pulp, it is exceedingly painful. When this happens, your dentist will have to do a root canal procedure and remove the pulp. He or she will fill the tooth with a large filling and then put a crown over the tooth. Dental sealants help prevent cavities for both children and adults.
Researchers are looking into new and innovative ways to treat cavities. One study published in Scientific Reports show how scientists are working on ways to stimulate stem cells in the tooth’s pulp to help them regrow tooth structure lost to decay. Despite this and other innovations, prevention is still the best way to avoid needing cavity treatment. Streptococcus mutans is the most common bacteria that is harmful when it gathers in your mouth. When enough food particles build up, the streptococcus mutans bacteria creates an acid which eats away your enamel, leaving the tooth unprotected against decay.
Remember, however, that cavities can develop at any time so it’s best to have routine check-ups and cleanings to nip cavities in the bud. Routine dentist visits can be the difference between one cavity and five. Dentists often use a tool called the CAMBRA, or Caries Management By Risk Assessment, to weigh the chance of caries development for a patient on a scale from disease to health. This helps explain your risk for cavities and how you can take steps to tip the scales to better your health. As dentiste à Longueuil of their general dentistry and specialized services, Dr. Forgosh and his team at Green Hills Family & Cosmetic Dentistry find, treat and prevent cavities.