Tooth decay is not as simple as many may feel. It certainly isn’t an invasion of the tooth by bacteria, although bacteria do cause the problems. Most people relate to the term ‘cavity’ when talking about tooth decay, and the two terms mean the same. As the term ‘cavity’ suggests, tooth decay is a process where your teeth develop holes in the surface.

Cavities are formed by the acidic waste of bacteria. This waste dissolves the enamel coating of a tooth in a process known as demineralization – in other words, the minerals in the enamel coating of your teeth are slowly dissolved out of the enamel. Bacteria live all around us, including in our mouths and gut. The bacteria that lead to tooth decay have a diet made up primarily of sugars – and that is why we continue to emphasize that sugar is bad for your teeth.

Bacteria live in your mouth and on your teeth, but their preferred home is in the plaque that slowly builds up on your teeth over time. As this bacteria feeds on the sugars in your mouth, it excretes acid, generally under the plaque and up against your teeth – and this is where cavities start to form. This is also why most cavities appear at the gum line – the same place that plaque forms.

The solution to this problem has long been known – brushing your teeth to remove as much sugar as possible. At the same time, you are removing any foods that have stuck to the teeth. Flossing helps to remove plaque while a professional cleaning every six months by your dentist removes any plaque build up that the tooth brush cannot shift, particularly just below the gum line.

Tooth decay is caused by the waste of bacteria. If bacteria doesn’t have food, then it cannot create waste. You cannot remove all foods from this bacteria since you have to eat as well. However, you can remove the acids left behind, the plaque where this bacteria lives, and often the bacteria itself, just by following a good oral hygiene routine.

To the naked eye, the tooth appears to be in great shape. X-rays may also clear the tooth of any problems, however, laser technology will often reveal microscopic cavities forming. Early detection of these cavities means that a dentist can use tiny fillings to fill those cavities, thus preventing them from developing into large tooth destroying caries.

This technology is particularly important when it comes to children’s teeth. The fewer and the smaller the number of fillings in a tooth, the better for their overall dental health. This technology is not invasive and can easily be used with children. More importantly, because we are talking about microscopic cavities and microscopic fillings, the procedure is quick and painless and doesn’t require any anesthetic.

Our children’s teeth are important. The cost of repairing tooth decay is becoming more expensive every year so the best thing we can do for our children is to help them retain perfect teeth for as long as possible. Regular cleaning together with a regular checkup by their dentist is an important part of that process. Early cavity detection is now an important part of that process of protecting our children’s teeth.

Bad breath, or halitosis, can mar your smile when you see people returning a frown. While one instance of bad breath may be caused due to consumption of pungent food, another instance may have a deep rooted dental cause. If bad breath is a constant problem with you, seek your dentist’s help for remedies.

Cavities are known to be a nasty dental problem. Do you know that cavities can happen at any time? Even an infant feeding on milk can be affected by cavities. Teeth cavities are caused by the bacteria that flourish in the plaque in our mouth. Thus, it is important to keep the mouth absolutely clean in order to prevent cavities. Make sure you do not skip your regular appointments with the dentist.

The toothache is also a dental problem but it is more an indication of a bigger problem. It is important not to take a case of toothache lightly. If toothache persists for more than two days, visit your dentist at once.

Gingivitis and periodontitis – the two deadly gum diseases – originate from the plaque present in the mouth. An inflammation and tenderness of the gums indicate a gum disease. It is advisable to control the gum disease when it is still at the gingivitis stage. Visit your dentist if you notice symptoms of a gum disease.

There is another dental problem which is not obvious when it begins. I am referring to teeth erosion. Caused by acids produced by the foods we consume, teeth erosion refers to the washing away of the enamel of our teeth. Avoid excessive intake of acidic foods and keep away from beverages like carbonated drinks. It is important that the mouth is thoroughly rinsed after consuming any kind of acidic food. Also, it is important not to brush immediately after a meal but to wait at least an hour before picking up the toothbrush.

If you do have any of the afore-mentioned problems, discuss it with your dentist. Get it treated before it takes a monstrous avatar.

Plaque is the layer on your teeth that you remove by brushing every day. Plaque is a soft layer of bacteria that usually accumulates near the gum line and in the hard-to-reach places between your teeth. Plaque is harmful to the teeth and gums. If plaque is not removed on a regular basis, it can become hard and affect your teeth more adversely. Now you know why your parents, teachers and dentists always asked you to brush and floss regularly.

The bacteria that cause plaque formation feed on the traces of food inside your mouth. Keep your mouth clean all the time to keep plaque at bay.

Tartar refers to the hard, visible deposits on your teeth along your gum line. It can be usually identified by the contrast it poses against the teeth in terms of color. Tartar is usually yellow or light brown.

If you cannot prevent the formation of tartar, you have to visit the dental clinic to get your teeth cleaned.

Cavities are holes in the teeth, an indication of teeth decay. Cavities are a result of plaque in the mouth. The bacteria present in the plaque releases acids that erode the outer surface of our teeth, the enamel.

It is advised that you get your teeth checked once in a while for cavities. Cavities are difficult to catch on your own. In case you develop cavities, your dentist will remove the rotten parts and fill in the holes in your teeth. Your dentist can provide you with natural-looking fillings that match the color of your teeth.

Plaque

Plaque is a soft layer of bacteria that usually accumulates near the gum line and in the hard-to-reach places between your teeth. Plaque is harmful to the teeth and gums. If plaque is not removed on a regular basis, it can become hard and affect your teeth more adversely.

Now you know why your parents, teachers, and dentists always asked you to brush and floss regularly.

Tartar

Tartar refers to the hard, visible deposits on your teeth along your gum line. It can be usually identified by the contrast it poses against the teeth in terms of color. Tartar is usually yellow or light brown.

Unfortunately, you and I cannot remove tartar on our own. Thus, we need to take care to prevent the formation of tartar.

Cavities

Cavities are holes in the teeth, an indication of teeth decay. Cavities are a result of plaque in the mouth. The bacteria present in the plaque releases acids that erode the outer surface of our teeth, the enamel.

It is advised that you get your teeth checked once in a while for cavities. Cavities are difficult to catch on our own. In case you develop cavities, your dentist will remove the rotten parts and fill in the holes in your teeth.

Caries

This is another name for dental cavities.

Calculus

Tartar is often referred to as calculus.

Dental cavities are painful. And they just ruin your personality. So, what do you do when you get dental cavities? You can either pray to go back in time when your teeth were healthy or visit your dentist for a restorative treatment. Fillings are considered the best solution for cavities. As the term suggests, this procedure involves filling in your cavities. How? Well, dental fillings are made of different materials like composite materials, metals, alloys, and porcelain. There are also the metal or amalgam fillings.

Wouldn’t your teeth look different after the procedure? Well, Fillings are being made to match the exact shade of your teeth so that they do not look out of place.

The procedure gets over in one visit to the dentist. The time taken for the session depends on the kind of tooth damage you have, the number of teeth affected, and the kind of filling chosen.

People often wonder if the filling procedure is painful. It may be a little discomforting but it is not considered painful. Some people do experience a little pain after the treatment. However, this pain is temporary. You should take care of your teeth well after the filling treatment. If your teeth feel sensitive or you feel any pain, mention it to your dentist at once.

Once you have got your teeth restored, don’t go back to your old ways of ignoring dental health. Start following a good dental care routine. And visit your dentist regularly.

Happy smiling!

Brush after every meal. Make sure you brush before you hit the bed. This will keep bacteria at bay while you are asleep. Follow brushing immediately with flossing once a day. Use the tongue scraper to clean the tongue everyday.

Drink plenty of water, around 8-10 glasses a day. This will keep your mouth clean and hydrated. Rinse your mouth well after you have eaten or drunk something.

Replace the fruit juice with whole fruits. Use a straw if you have to drink juice. You should also pay attention to the kind of food you eat. Eat balanced meals.

Use fluoride-based toothpaste. If you are in Minneapolis, you don’t need this toothpaste as the drinking water contains enough fluoride.

If you have let the cavity beat you, don’t fret. Go to your dentist and get treated. And start taking care of your teeth. Go for a cleaning session if you have plaque on your teeth. A session of professional teeth cleaning will ensure that your teeth not only look white but remain healthy. If you are in Minneapolis, drop by at the Wayzata Dental Clinic for a session at the smile spa.

Don’t ever ignore any symptom of a dental problem. Visit your dentist at the earliest.

A little care goes a long way in keeping your smile bright.

Happy smiling!

Teeth cavities are also referred to as teeth caries.

What causes cavities?
Cavities are caused by the harmful bacteria in the mouth. The following factors can trigger the onset of dental cavities:

• Food debris in the mouth

• Dry mouth

What are the symptoms of cavities?
Dental cavities lead to tooth loss. It is possible to ignore dental cavities when it begins. However, in the advanced stage, teeth cavities can cause more than discomfort. Here are some of the symptoms of cavities:

• Chalky spots appear on the surface of the teeth.

• Brown, dull spots appear as the cavities aggravate.
• The teeth feel soft when you touch them.
• There is pus around a tooth.
• You feel pain in the affected teeth.
• The teeth become sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet food.
• You suffer from bad breath.
• There is a bad taste in the mouth.

How can you prevent cavities?
Cavities can be prevented by following a proper dental care routine. Here are some pointers to help prevent cavities:

• Brush and floss after all meals.

• Rinse your mouth after eating or drinking anything.
• Avoid snacking on sweet and sugary food between meals.
• Drink a lot of water to avoid a dry mouth.
• Consume dairy products, fruits, and vegetables everyday.
• Drink fluoride-water or use a fluoride-based toothpaste.
• See your dentist every six months, or visit him/her earlier if there is a symptom of a dental problem.

Happy smiling!

This is the layer on your teeth that you remove by brushing everyday. Plaque is a soft layer of bacteria that usually accumulates near the gum line and in the hard-to-reach places between your teeth. Plaque is harmful to the teeth and gums. If plaque is not removed on a regular basis, it can become hard and affect your teeth more adversely. Now you know why your parents, teachers, and dentists always asked you to brush and floss regularly.

The bacteria that cause plaque formation feed on the traces of food inside your mouth. Keep your mouth clean all the time to keep plaque at bay.

What is tartar?

Tartar refers to the hard, visible deposits on your teeth along your gum line. It can be usually identified by the contrast it poses against the teeth in terms of color. Tartar is usually yellow or light brown.

Unfortunately, you and I cannot remove tartar on our own. Thus, we need to take care to prevent the formation of tartar.

What are cavities?

Cavities are holes in the teeth, an indication of teeth decay. Cavities are a result of plaque in the mouth. The bacteria present in the plaque releases acids that erode the outer surface of our teeth, the enamel.

It is advised that you get your teeth checked once in a while for cavities. Cavities are difficult to catch on our own. In case you develop cavities, your dentist will remove the rotten parts and fill in the holes in your teeth. Your dentist can provide you with natural-looking fillings that match the color of your teeth.

Happy smiling!

What are dental cavities?
Literally, a cavity means a hole. Dental cavities are holes in the teeth that clearly indicate teeth decay.

What causes cavities?
Plaque in our mouth is the culprit causing dental cavities. The bacteria present in the plaque releases acids that erode the enamel of the teeth causing cavities.

How can cavities be prevented?
Follow the guidelines given below to prevent cavities:

• Follow a proper dental care routine.

• Visit your dentist for regular check-ups.
• Add fluoride to your meals or use fluoride-based toothpaste.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Stick to a balanced diet.

What dental treatments are recommended to treat cavities?
The following restorative treatments are recommended for cavities:

• Fillings

• Crowns
• Root canal therapy
• Tooth extraction

Click the following links to access the previous posts in the ‘Teeth Problems’ series.

• Teeth Problems (1): Stained Teeth

• Teeth Problems (2): Bad breath
• Teeth Problems (3): Chipped Teeth
• Teeth Problems (4): Sensitive Teeth

Happy smiling!