What are cavities

February 16, 2009 by  
Filed under Cavities, Dental Care

Cavities are nothing but tooth decay. Given below are the factors that lead to decaying tooth. It is mainly influenced by our eating habits, our oral hygiene and fluoride content in the toothpaste we use. Hereditary plays a very important role in our oral health. Certain families have unhealthy teeth. These problems are passed down hereditarily.

For good oral hygiene, there has to be enough saliva content in the mouth. In case there is less saliva generated by the mouth, it leads to a parched mouth. This is the main cause of tooth problems. People who consume tobacco in forms like cigarettes have a parched mouth. The tobacco would just absorb all your saliva, thereby giving rise to a parched mouth. This is when cavities are born.

Untreated cavities could lead to a number of tooth problems. It not only affects the tooth, but also the nerve endings of the tooth. It could also develop into abscess. Abscess is a sore or a boil which appears the tip of the tooth root. It can results in fatality, if left untreated. Cavities are something which could results in other grave problems.

Regular visits to your dentist would prevent cavities because the dentist would detect a cavity immediately and start the necessary course of action. It is for sure that most of the cavities take their birth in the gum roots, where it is visibly not possible to locate them, unless you take an x-ray of your tooth and gums. In case there is a cavity, it will discolor that particular tooth. In case you see a blackened portion inside your teeth, do not wait any longer. Rush to your dentist. He could possibly save your tooth or if not at least go in for a root canal.

Eating and dietary habits are the contributors to cavities. A person with a sweet tooth has maximum chances of a cavity. People who consume too many alcoholic and soda drinks are also at risk to cavities. These artificially sweetened foods erode the outer enamel of your tooth resulting in tartar formation and later cavities. The acids present in the soda drinks would erode the enamel lining of your tooth. In case you do not take effective steps, the dentist would be left with no other option but to extract your tooth. Negligence on your part would further make the condition even worst, when the entire enamel has been scraped off and the roots of your tooth are exposed which would result in unbearable pain.

The main place of cavities is normally the behind tooth, places of chewing in between the teeth. The best way to avoid its occurrence and regular visits to a dentist. Your dentist would advise you on the x-rays to be taken so that he gets a perfect idea of the cavities and whether they can be treated or not. If your dentist feels there is no other option, then he will have to rip it off.