At some point, practically everyone will have to deal with a tooth cavity. Tooth cavities are just one of the dental concerns that Signature Dentistry treats. Dr. Jacob Grapevine provides preventive dental care services like treatments for a tooth cavity at our Plano, TX, family dentistry office. He can help prevent and treat tooth cavities in adults and children. You can visit our general dentistry office for all your dental care needs.
What are Cavities?
Cavities, also known as dental caries, are holes that form in your teeth due to tooth decay. This is a very common problem, especially among children and teens, but adults can get cavities too. Cavities form when harmful bacteria attack the enamel (the hard outer layer) of your teeth, breaking it down and causing decay.
How Do Cavities Form?
When you eat food that contains sugar or starch, like candy, soda, or even bread, it can stick to your teeth. This food can mix with plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth. The bacteria in plaque feed on the sugar and starch, creating acid. This acid attacks the tooth enamel, causing it to weaken and wear away. Over time, this leads to cavities.
Why Do Cavities Affect Children or Older Adults More?
Children and teenagers are more likely to get cavities because they often eat sugary snacks or drinks and may not always brush their teeth properly. However, cavities can affect anyone at any age, especially if they don’t take care of their teeth.
As people get older, they can be more prone to cavities because of gum recession. This happens when your gums pull away from your teeth, exposing the lower parts of your teeth (the roots). The root of your tooth doesn’t have the hard enamel that the crown (top) of the tooth has, so it can decay much faster. Receding gums are common as people age, and they make it easier for cavities to form in the more vulnerable parts of your teeth.
Tooth Cavity Symptoms
Tooth cavity symptoms vary from one patient to another. Often, no tooth cavity symptoms are present in patients with early signs of tooth cavity formation. Dr. Grapevine is likely to see signs of early tooth decay during routine dental visit screenings and help to prevent the cavity from forming or getting worse.
This is one of the main reasons why routine, biannual visits to our dentist in Plano, TX are essential. The sooner he can spot the signs of decay, the more conservative the treatment will be. If tooth decay is not treated in a timely manner, it will get worse and may require a root canal or even an extraction.
As the tooth cavity gets larger, you may experience symptoms such as toothache, tooth sensitivity, pain when eating hot or cold foods and beverages, visible holes in teeth, or pus around the tooth and gums. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should schedule a visit with Dr. Grapevine as soon as possible to get your teeth checked out.
Treating a Tooth Cavity in Plano, TX
If you already have cavities or if your teeth are showing signs of decay, Dr. Grapevine can help. He offers a range of dental services to stabilize and protect your teeth:
Fillings
Dr. Grapevine provides cosmetic dental fillings, also called tooth-colored dental fillings. These fillings are a great option for treating cavities in the early stages of tooth decay. They help restore the shape of the tooth and prevent the cavity from getting worse. The procedure is quick, and you’ll be able to get back to your regular activities right after.
Inlays and Onlays
If the decay is more extensive and has affected a larger portion of the tooth, Dr. Grapevine may recommend a porcelain inlay or onlay. These are custom-made fillings that provide extra strength to the tooth. Inlays are used for cavities on the chewing surface inside the tooth, while onlays are for larger cavities that extend over the edges of the tooth. Porcelain inlays and onlays are durable, blend well with your natural teeth, and help protect the tooth from future damage.
Root Canal and Dental Crown
If a cavity has reached the inner part of the tooth, a root canal may be needed to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth. After the root canal, Dr. Grapevine will place a dental crown on the tooth. The crown will give the tooth protection and restore its strength and appearance. A crown fully covers the tooth, preventing further decay and ensuring it functions properly.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay
Preventing tooth decay is essential for everyone, no matter your age. It all starts with good oral habits that you can build over time. For children, we recommend visiting the dentist as soon as their first teeth start to come in. Early dental visits lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Here are some simple steps you can follow to help prevent cavities:
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
Brushing your teeth is key to preventing tooth decay. Make sure to brush at least twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed. Use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen your teeth and protect them from cavities. If you’re over the age of 2, we recommend a fluoride toothpaste. This type of toothpaste helps keep your teeth healthy.
Floss Daily
While brushing is essential, you should also floss daily. Brushing can miss the spaces between your teeth where food and plaque can build up. Flossing helps remove this buildup, preventing cavities from forming between your teeth, where brushing can’t reach.
Eat a Healthy Diet
What you eat plays a big role in the health of your teeth. A healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help keep your teeth strong. Try to limit sugary snacks and drinks like soda, which can cause cavities by feeding the bacteria in your mouth. Drinking plenty of water, especially after meals, can help rinse away food particles and prevent cavities.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular visits to our Plano dentist office are key to keeping your teeth healthy. We recommend having cleanings and exams every six months. During your visit, we’ll remove plaque and tartar buildup and check for early signs of cavities or gum disease. These regular checkups help keep your smile bright and healthy.
Treat Cavities Today
Do you feel tooth pain or discomfort? Call Dr. Grapevine at (972) 449-5759 to treat your tooth cavity in Plano, TX. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Grapevine online.