Things that Everyone Should Know About Cavities

The development of a cavity doesn’t seem like a big deal to most people, until the cavity starts to make their tooth hurt bad enough that it can no longer be ignored. However, when a cavity forms in your tooth, it can become one of the most immediate threats to the overall health and integrity of your smile. Not to mention, the discomfort that it causes will grow worse the longer you hesitate to treat the cavity. Until then, though, it can be easy to underestimate the importance of having your dentist diagnose and treat your cavity as soon as possible.

Every cavity needs to be treated

The most important thing to remember when you develop a cavity is that the condition has to be treated in order to save your tooth from it. A case of tooth decay won’t go away on its own, and a cavity won’t heal if you give it time. On the contrary, waiting will only allow the cavity to grow larger and the decay to erode more of your tooth’s natural structure. It can be a mistake to think that your cavity is minor enough that you don’t have to worry about it, and that mistake is a leading cause behind the prevalence of more severe tooth decay development.

Nearly everyone can develop one

If you haven’t developed a cavity yet, then it’s just as important to remember that it doesn’t mean you’re immune to them. The oral bacteria that cause tooth decay and cavities are a constant presence in everyone’s mouth. They can contribute to plaque formation and cling to your teeth every day, and poor hygiene or inconsistent dental visits can give them the time they need to cause a tooth to decay. You can boost your chances of continuing to avoid a cavity by continuing to stick to an excellent dental hygiene routine, and to visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings at least once every six months.

Everyone can prevent them, too

While nearly everyone can develop a cavity under the right conditions, preventing a cavity from forming is also possible for everyone. The key is to be consistent in your removal of harmful plaque from your teeth every day. To keep up with plaque formation, you’ll need to brush your teeth at least twice and floss at least once every single day. Also, routine checkups and cleanings will be essential in removing any tartar that’s allowed to develop before it has the chance to lead to tooth decay.

Learn more about cavities and how to treat them

Cavities result from tooth decay, which can become a problem for everyone at least once in their lives without proper preventive care. To learn more, call our Cleveland Family Dentistry office in Cleveland, TX, today at (281) 592-1234. We also serve the residents of Kingwood, Conroe, Livingston, and all surrounding communities.