What To Know About Cavities
We recommend that patients visit our office every four to six months for a routine oral hygiene examination and cleaning. During these visits, we not only thoroughly clean your teeth, but we are also looking for problems with your oral health, such as dental decay. Another common name for dental decay is a cavity. A cavity is one of the most common dental problems that we see every day.
What are Cavities?
A cavity is another name for dental decay. It is caused when there is a buildup of plaque and bacteria that has turned into acid that has eaten away at the surface of the tooth. Cavities can occur on any part of the surface area of the tooth: the top, the front, and even between teeth. This is why we are extremely passionate about our patients being diligent with their oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing are excellent ways to prevent cavities from developing. Between appointments, it’s also important to monitor your oral health and check your teeth for problems, such as:
- sensitivity
- pain or discomfort
- holes or pits
- brown discoloration
What Happens if a Cavity Goes Untreated?
Dental decay does not heal on its own; it requires intervention. The longer a cavity is left untreated, the more it will continue to grow and expand. If you do not get the treatment we recommend in a timely fashion, the cavity will eventually move from the tooth enamel, which is the outer part of the tooth, to the pulp, which is deep inside the tooth. We will need to complete a more extensive treatment, such as a dental crown, a root canal, or even a tooth extraction. The longer you delay treatment, the better chance you have of experiencing a dental emergency.
If you need an oral hygiene examination, or we recommended a filling or other treatment that you need to schedule, contact our office, which is located in Cincinnati, OH. We want to help you have optimal oral health! See you soon!
