Although many won’t admit it, it’s safe to say most of us are always a little nervous when sitting down in the dentist’s chair for a routine checkup. The last thing anyone wants to hear is the word “cavity” coming out of your dentist’s mouth, giving you the exact look your mom gave you when she used to say, “I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed.”
Cavities happen to the best of us, and luckily, you’re about to read everything you need to know about cavities and the untold potential threats to your health.
What are some key factors one should know regarding cavities and oral health?
Also, what are some common misconceptions about the impact of cavities on overall health?
Cavities, also known as tooth decay, are silent upon onset yet have the potential to become deadly if left untreated. Due to their secretive approach, cavities can be tricky by nature. Once they are noticed, usually because of pain-related symptoms, they are already at an advanced level of severity.
It may seem that thinking about cavities just adds to a long list of health anxieties however, the more you know about your them, the better you can maintain your dental health beginning with scheduling regular visits to the dentist.
We’ll briefly discuss general information about cavities, including the causes, symptoms, and prevention tips. Whether you have experienced a cavity or not, it’s always best to refresh your knowledge on the basics and assess your dental hygiene routine.
While assessing your routine, consider any additional practices besides brushing and flossing, and do your research. Several trending dental hygiene practices are advertised as beneficial because they are natural alternatives for cleaning and whitening teeth. However, these alternative options increase damage to the enamel and the likelihood of forming cavities.
Lastly, many may neglect their cavities and refrain from getting them filled. A common misconception is that it will possibly “go away” or maybe “heal”, but, unfortunately, neglected cavities can cause a myriad of life-threatening situations to occur.
Cavity 101
Common Causes
Tooth decay causes cavities, displaying tiny holes on the tooth’s hard surface. This mainly occurs due to an excess of bacteria in the mouth, a typical result of poor oral hygiene. Additionally, frequent sugar consumption can help the bacteria thrive in that environment, allowing the bacteria to feed off the residual sugar.
When bacteria digest these sugars, they essentially make an acidic byproduct that starts to erode the hard surface layer, the enamel. With time, the acid erosion from the bacteria can reach the nerves and blood vessels within the tooth, causing further pain and possible infection.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Common symptoms include a toothache or direct, sharp pain and an increased sensitivity to hot and cold sensations. If you can see the affected area, you may notice visible pits in your tooth and possibly brown, black, or even white staining.
Preventative Tips
The great news about tooth decay is that it can be prevented. Maintaining your hygiene habits, such as brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day, greatly assists in avoiding decay. Another protective measure would be to limit any excess sugar in your diet. Aside from these simple healthy habits, visit the dentist every 6 months for regular deep cleaning.
Debunking Myths
While we all strive to maintain our healthiest lifestyles, some wellness trends can be more detrimental than beneficial. Many all-natural oral hygiene practices are known as trending alternatives to artificial dental products. While all-natural alternatives seem increasingly helpful to your health due to the lack of chemicals, all-natural does not necessarily mean better.
The all-natural oral hygiene alternatives:
• Charcoal toothpaste: used as a natural whitener and detoxifier
• Oil-pulling: a method used to detoxify and whiten, typically by swishing around coconut oil in the mouth
• Lemon juice & baking soda: a commonly used combination for whitening teeth
• Brushing with sea salt or baking soda: used as an alternative to fluoride toothpaste
Collectively, these alternative methods increase the likelihood of cavities forming. The extremely acidic and overly abrasive nature of charcoal toothpaste, lemon juice, baking soda, and sea salt increases the rate of enamel erosion, creating further cavities. While oil-pulling doesn’t express erosive behavior, most choose this as an alternative to traditional brushing and flossing, which hasn’t been known to clean your teeth well enough to prevent cavities from forming.
Cavities and Some of Their Hidden Threats
The biggest misconception when understanding cavities is assuming they aren’t something to take seriously. Here are a few of the serious risks associated with cavities if left untreated:
• Commonly linked to heart attacks and strokes
• May contribute to Alzheimer’s
• Can increase the risk of lung infections
• Can increase the severity of diabetes
• May cause possible serious complications with pregnancy
• Could lead to sepsis and take your life
Cavity Recap
When dealing with tooth decay, far more can go wrong with your health than is commonly understood. Typically, cavities won’t get to the severity level discussed above if the proper steps and precautions are taken. Still, it is essential to understand the nature of cavities, the unknown damage you could be potentially causing, and the serious health risks associated with unresolved cavities.
Trusted Dental Care in Commerce Township with Dr Sedki
Seeing your dentist regularly is highly recommended and can keep dental problems in check. It also makes a difference in your overall health and quality of life. Sedki Dentistry in Commerce Twp provides trusted dental care for the entire family and strives to keep mouths healthy and bright by addressing issues such as cavities right away.
Our Commerce area dental clinic provides general dentistry, the latest in cosmetic dentistry and dental treatments, as well as leading edge gum rejuvenation procedures. If you have questions or are having a dental concern, call to schedule a Free Dental Consultation.