
We hope you’re all sporting your bright smiles, thanks to regular visits to your Wichita family dental clinic and dentist, like Smiles by Design and our very own Dr. Kristyn Barker. Maintaining your oral health is crucial, and one of the main issues we help our patients tackle is cavities.
According to the CDC, more than half of those ages 12-19 have had a cavity in a permanent tooth. In addition, 90% of adults ages 20 and older have had at least one cavity in their lifetime, and one in four adults currently has at least one cavity.
Cavities affect baby teeth as well. More than half of children ages 6 to 8 have had a cavity in a baby tooth.
But how can you tell if you have a cavity? We have signs you can look for to determine if you have these dental issues.
What are Cavities?
Cavities, or dental caries, are tiny holes in your teeth. They’re caused by the plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) that forms on your teeth when you eat and drink. This plaque feeds on sugars and releases acid that eats away at your tooth enamel. Over time, if not addressed, these cavities can lead to toothaches, sensitivity, and other dental problems including gum disease, and tooth loss.
Symptoms of a Cavity
Toothache
A toothache is like a warning sign from your mouth. It might start as a mild discomfort but can become quite painful. If you experience persistent tooth pain, it’s time to schedule a visit to our Wichita family dental clinic.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks can indicate a cavity. If you find yourself wincing when enjoying your ice cream or sipping your morning coffee, it might be time to call Smiles by Design and Dr. Kristyn Barker.
Visible Holes or Discoloration
Sometimes, you can see the cavity. Look closely at your teeth in the mirror. If you spot any dark spots or visible holes, it’s a good sign that you’ve got a cavity. Don’t wait—contact your our office for a check-up right away! Early detection and treatment help prevent more pain and more costly treatments.
Pain While Chewing
Pain or discomfort while chewing your food, or biting down, could be due to a cavity. You want to address this issue sooner rather than later as pain can indicate a bigger issue than a cavity.
Bad Breath or Bad Taste
If you have persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth, it could be related to a cavity. Bacteria in cavities can release foul-smelling gases that cause embarrassing bad breath.
Cavity Prevention
Preventing cavities is better than treating them, and your Wichita family dental clinic can help with both. Below are common and easy ways to help prevent cavities in your teeth.
Daily Oral Hygiene
The importance of brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing can’t be overstated. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, or after each meal. Brushing your teeth with toothpaste containing fluoride removes the plaque that covers your teeth and feeds on the sugar you consume. Brush after your first meal of the day and again before you go to bed.
For optimal brushing, use a soft bristled toothbrush, and brush in small circular motions on the front and back of each tooth and at the gumline. Brush for at least two minutes. If you can, set a timer or play a favorite song to help you determine when two minutes is up.
While many people forget to floss, it’s essential. If you don’t floss, you are missing up to 40% of the plaque on your teeth! It’s the spaces between your teeth where food gets trapped, and plaque builds up that gives cavities the ideal environment to start forming. These cavities may be harder to see because they are in between your teeth so you may not realize there is an issue until you go for your regular dental exam.
Many people prefer a water flosser over traditional string floss. Water flossers can be easier for those with dexterity issues, such as older adults to use and can get into hard-to-reach areas and between tightly spaced teeth. People with braces, crowns or dental implants may find water flossers more effective. No matter how you do it, flossing regularly, whether with water or string, helps reduce your risk for developing cavities and gum disease.
Bi-Annual Dental Exams
Regular dental check-ups—at least twice a year—are critical to your oral health and reducing your risk of cavities. At your annual exams, your teeth are professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist. This removes the plaque but also the tartar, which is hardened plaque. Tartar can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning. Tartar can cause cavities, bad breath, and gum disease.
Your dentist will also take X-rays of your teeth, which will show cavities between teeth, and decay beneath fillings. Finding these places of decay sooner rather than later will help your dentist develop a treatment plan that will be most effective—and possibly more affordable—than if you wait.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are colorless thin coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of back molars and can be highly effective in preventing cavities in those teeth. According to the CDC, dental sealants can prevent 80% of cavities over two years in the back teeth which is a common place for cavities to develop. If you or your children don’t have sealants, ask the dentist for this preventative measure.
Healthy Diet
A healthy diet low in sugary snacks, and high in fresh vegetables and fruits are your best allies in cavity prevention. Calcium-rich foods such as salmon, almonds, and green leafy vegetables also help promote strong teeth. Drinking water is also extremely important. Water helps wash away food particles after you eat and will keep your saliva levels higher, which helps in cavity prevention.
Taking the time to care for your teeth daily through proper oral hygiene, bi-annual dental exams and cleanings at the dentist, dental sealants, and a healthy diet is preferable to developing cavities. While genetics can also play a part in cavity development, habits such as smoking can increase your risk as well. Do what you can to ensure that you don’t develop cavities.
Treatment
If you do develop cavities, there are treatments available including fillings and root canals.
Fillings
The most common treatment for cavities are fillings. To perform a filling the dentist numbs the gum area and removes the decay with a drill or sometimes a laser. There are three common types of fillings used including:
Silver Amalgam
These are some of the most common types of fillings for cavity treatment. These fillings are silver metallic in color, although not made of pure silver. Silver amalgam fillings are durable, strong, and affordable. The average lifespan of these fillings is 15 years.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are made from a combination of resin and plastic. The material is placed inside the cleaned area of decay and then cured with a light. These fillings can be made to match the color of the patient’s teeth, so they are not as noticeable as silver amalgam. These fillings typically last five to 10 years.
Ceramic Fillings
These fillings are made with a porcelain material which is durable and can be matched to the teeth for a more natural appearance. These fillings also resist stains more than composite fillings and are typically more expensive, however they can last for more than 15 years if properly cared for.
Root Canals
When a cavity is untreated too long, and grows too deep, a root canal may be the only option to save the tooth. A root canal involves removing the decayed nerve tissue and related damage. The tooth is then cleaned out and a dental filling is placed into the tooth. If the tooth is still in good condition, a crown may not be required. If it’s not, then you will need to be fitted for a temporary, and then permanent crown.
Contact Smiles By Design
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure in many cases, including your oral health.
If you suspect you have a cavity, it’s crucial to visit your Wichita family dental expert, Dr. Kristyn Barker. She can diagnose the issue, provide treatment options including dental fillings, and help you maintain your winning smile.
At Smiles by Design, we’re dedicated to your oral health and your beautiful smiles. Please contact our Wichita family dental office if you have any concerns about cavities or any other dental issues. We’re here to make your visit as comfortable as possible and provide you with the best dental care.
In conclusion, remember that early detection is key to addressing cavities before they become major problems. Regular check-ups with your family dentist and maintaining a good oral hygiene routine are your best weapons against those sneaky cavities. Your smile will thank you for it!