Cavities, also known as tooth decay, occur when tooth enamel wears away. Eventually, if enough enamel wears away, the soft tissues and nerves within the tooth will be exposed. One of the first signs of a cavity is a sensitivity to temperature and touch. It may also affect our ability to chew properly. Dr. Albert Caves is a Columbus, Georgia dentist that is passionate about helping his patients receive the dental care they need.
The best defense against cavities is good oral hygiene. Be sure to use a toothpaste that has fluoride to remove any place that may have formed. Flossing between teeth is necessary to remove plaque and any food particles left. Both of these efforts help to prevent cavities from forming.
How Do Cavities Form?
Our mouths contain bacteria that help break down the food we eat. Most of the bacteria are harmless to our teeth. However, bacteria particularly like sugary, starchy foods. The more of these foods that we eat the more bacteria are produced. As the bacteria break down the foods, they produce acids, which bind to plaque hiding between our teeth and gums. As the acids bind to the plaque, they eat away at our enamel and form a cavity.
How Are Cavities Treated?
One of the easiest and most efficient ways to treat a cavity is with dental fillings. To receive a filling, we will clean out the cavities, fill them, and reinforce the tooth enamel. This stops the tooth decay process since the bacteria and acids are shut out. We use a composite filling as metal fillings do not blend in with tooth enamel. Composite or “white” fillings offer a more natural end result.
Call Our Columbus, GA Dental Office
Schedule biannual dentist visits to ensure a deep clean. Our dental hygienists are armed with professional dental tools that are able to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Caves online or call (706) 407-4851 for comprehensive treatment.