Although you might not notice a cavity forming at first, it can eventually cause pain.
In more serious cases, a cavity can result in a dental procedure called aroot canal.
Cavities are acommon dental problem.
Causes
Teeth are covered in a relatively thick layer of enamel, a protective coating.
Since enamel isn’t living, it’s not able to repair itself.
That’s problematic, since tooth enamel is constantly under attack.
Over time, that damage can lead to the formation of a cavity.
Thats why regular dental checkups every six months are important.
Thats when youre likely to start experiencing symptoms.
The symptoms of cavities include:
Who Gets Cavities?
In America, almost everyone will get a cavity at some point in their lives.
However, the people most at risk for cavities are people who are very young or people over 50.
On the other hand, older people are at risk because they more often havereceding gums.
In addition to those two demographics, there are other risk factors that can increase your likelihood of cavities.
This helps the enamel to repair the minerals that have been depleted by plaque formation.
However, cavities often require other treatments to double-check that the damage to your tooth does not get worse.
The normal function of our mouths means that most of us will get cavities occasionally.
Finding out about a cavity early can help you avoid pain and keep treatment simpler.
Going to the dentist every six months, even if you’re nervous, can help with that.
National Institute of Dental Craniofacial Research.Tooth decay.
American Dental Association.Tooth decay with baby bottles.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.The tooth decay process: How to reverse it and avoid a cavity.
