Posted on 10/04/2016
Cavities are surprisingly common - in fact, the CDC states that approximately 91% of Americans age 20-64 have cavities. If detected and treated early, cavities are generally a mild problem requiring nothing more than a filling - but if left alone, they can progress into a much more serious condition.
CAVITIES DON'T FIX THEMSELVES
You should never expect a cavity to get better on its own - in fact, it will only get worse. Cavities are caused by tooth decay, which is what happens when acid and bacteria eat through the protective enamel of teeth and reach the dentin, one of the inner layers of the teeth. If left untreated, this decay will simply continue deeper into the tooth, causing pain and problems along the way.
THEY LEAD TO EVEN MORE SERIOUS CONDITIONS
While a small cavity is easy to treat, the longer it's left to grow, the more problematic it becomes. If left long enough, the decay can eat through the dentin completely and reach the root, infecting the dental pulp and nerve of the tooth. In addition to being painful, this can irreparably destroy the tooth. Serious cavities can also cause other complications like an abscess around the tooth root, a more general infection, or even fatal conditions like Ludwig's angina.
TAKING CARE OF CAVITIES
Ultimately, the best way to treat cavities is prevention - so it's crucial that you maintain a regular oral hygiene regimen and come in for a professional tooth cleaning twice a year. If you do start to notice any spots or pain in your teeth, call us and make an appointment immediately. Only by identifying and treating the problem early can we stop the spread of the cavity and prevent serious complications.
CONTACT OUR NARBERTH DENTAL OFFICE
All this talk of cavities make you feel like getting your teeth cleaned? We're here for you. You can call us at (610) 664-6061 or contact us at our contact page with any questions to make an appointment, and don't forget to check back to this blog for more tips and information on keeping your teeth healthy and strong. We can't wait to hear from you, and we look forward to helping you keep your teeth healthy, white, and beautiful.