fbpx

Common Dental Issues We Fix:

Tooth Decay & Cavities​

Tooth Decay and Cavities Fixed With Care at Waterville Family Dentistry

By Waterville Family Dentistry

What causes cavities?

When tooth decay gets through tooth enamel and starts to burrow into your tooth, causing tiny holes, those are cavities.

Caused by multiple factors, cavities are an escalating path to tooth loss and other dental problems. 

Here are some of the things that cause cavities:

  • Oral Bacteria
  • Tooth Location (back teeth more susceptible)
  • Eating Too Much Of Certain Foods
  • Sugary Drinks
  • Poor Dental Hygiene (more brushing, fluoride)
  • Bedtime Baby Feeding
  • Worn Fillings, Bridges, Partial Dentures
  • Heartburn & Eating Disorders

Just know, you are not alone. Cavities and tooth decay are part of life the world over, being especially common in both young and old, though no age group is immune–including infants.

Before a cavity forms, careful brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups are critical. Left untreated, cavities only get worse, affecting more and more layers of the tooth. This can lead to a headache, infection and even loss of teeth.

“If you don’t floss you miss cleaning 35% of your tooth surfaces

Do I Have A Cavity?

Early on, you likely won’t even feel a cavity, but as the decay deepens, pain will begin to become part of life’s daily equation.

Possible Effects Of Cavities

  • Sensitive Teeth (to sweet, hot, cold)
  • Mild to Serious Pain
  • Teeth Have Visible Holes
  • Stained Tooth (brown, black, white)
  • Pain When Biting

What’s important, though, is to get out ahead of cavities, either stopping them from forming altogether or taking care of them in their early stages at Waterville Family Dentistry.

More About Tooth Decay & Cavities

Tooth decay causes cavities over time. It’s not a fast process, but it is inevitable once begun. First, plaque forms over the teeth, especially from eating poorly and not executing good dental hygiene.

Next, the acids in the plaque wear away the enamel of the teeth in question, and can also harden around the gum line, creating tartar. Also known as calculus, tartar makes plaque removal even more challenging and provides a hiding place for harmful bacteria.

Over time, tooth decay advances, continuing to weaken teeth and, eventually, causing pain and discomfort. Here at Waterville Family Dentistry, we have no intention of letting that happen to our patients, the people of Waterville, ME, and surrounding areas.

Complications From Cavities:

  • Damaged and/or Broken Teeth
  • Problems With Chewing
  • Tooth Abscess
  • Mild To Severe Pain
  • Bite Complications Due To Tooth Loss

Whatever your dental issue with tooth decay and/or cavities, we will quickly and professionally diagnose and treat your dental health, and have you smiling in no time!

 

Your first visit won’t be your last.

We look forward to having you join our family here at Waterville Family Dentistry!