At one point or another, just about everyone has had a cavity. Cavities are very common, but are easily preventable with the right home care and care from your dentist in Boca Raton. Cavities are the result of bacteria that has damaged the enamel. This damage leads to tooth decay, which can extend to other layers of the tooth if not treated promptly. The main way to prevent the damage in the first place is with proper oral hygiene. With the right home care and regular visits to your dentist for preventable treatments, you’ll help stop cavities before they start.
What are Cavities?
Cavities are tooth decay that has been caused by bacteria that produces an acid, which destroys enamel and the underlying dentin. Cavities don’t just happen overnight. They take time to develop and occur in various stages. Dental decay begins with the formation of plaque, which occurs naturally in the mouth from eating and drinking foods that contain sugar. When these sugary residues aren’t removed from the teeth, the bacteria thrive on the sugars, turning them to acid. When the acid and bacteria combine, the leftover food residue turns to plaque.
Once plaque has formed, it begins to eat away at tooth enamel. After the outer layer of the tooth has developed decay, you need treatment before the damage extends to the inner layer known as dentin. Once the bacteria and plaque reach the dentin, the damage can continue to progress until it has reached the pulp, the inner tooth material. As this point, a dental filling will no longer be enough. You will now need a root canal. When left untreated, the bacteria can extend from the tooth into the gum, bone, and even the blood stream.
How Do I Prevent Cavities?
Preventing cavities is fairly easy. You need to brush and floss your teeth twice a day to remove cavity-causing plaque and bacteria. To reduce the amount of bacteria and acids in your mouth, limit the amount of sugary or starchy foods. In addition, you’ll also need to visit your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings. At routine appointments, your dentist in Boca Raton will remove the bacteria and plaque that was missed with brushing and flossing. Dr. Gerard Cuomo also offers preventative services, like fluoride treatments and dental sealants to stop cavities before they start.
Even with the best care, we understand that cavities can still happen, which is why we offer microscopic decay detection to detect cavities while they are still small. Using digital x-rays, high-powered microscopes, and cavity detection technology, we will find decay in the earliest stages to provide prompt treatment before the damage progresses.
Your Dentist in Boca Raton
Dr. Gerard Cuomo provides microscopic enhanced dentistry for more comprehensive care. If you’re in need of cavity prevention, detection or treatment with dental fillings in Boca Raton, Dr. Cuomo provides the comprehensive care you need. Supported by extensive qualifications and state-of-the-art technology, he’ll help you be proactive about your oral health care. Call your dentist in Boca Raton at (561) 325-6816 to schedule an appointment.
