If you have been wondering how to get rid of cavities, you have more options than you know. Before delving into the details of how to get rid of cavities, it is crucial to understand what cavities are. Also, where cavities come from and how to prevent them.
How to Get Rid of Cavities: What Are Cavities?
Cavities are simply holes that form in the teeth due to acids on the teeth and gums. If you have looked into how to get rid of cavities, you may also have come across their more official name: dental caries.
Cavities are generally the result of poor diet and improper oral hygiene. When you eat carbohydrate-heavy food, especially food and drink high in simple sugars, they can stick to your teeth. This process leads to the formation of plaque, a thin film that forms on and between the teeth. Plaque is, in part, the result of bacterial growth. However, it is the acids that the bacteria produce as they consume the sugars on your teeth. This plaque hardens fairly quickly into tartar. When not professionally removed, tartar is a leading cause of tooth decay that causes cavities.
If left untreated, your cavities will certainly get larger and deeper. Eventually, the result is the loss of the tooth. So it is essential to understand the importance of prevention and how to get rid of cavities. Untreated cavities can even lead to more serious periodontal issues. You must see an experienced dentist like Dr. Raina and the team at Zeal Dentistry to have your cavities treated.
How to Get Rid of Cavities: Prevention
Anyone wondering how to get rid of cavities must understand that the most effective way to get rid of cavities is to avoid getting them altogether. And here at Zeal Dentistry, we like to remind our patients that there are several strategies for cavity prevention. These include:
- Maintain a balanced diet that is low in sugary foods and drinks. Eating a rich and varied diet is not just right for your body, but it is also great for your teeth. This type of diet is healthy in part because carbohydrates are the number-one cause of plaque build-up, which leads to tooth decay. That said, one of the persistent myths of cavity formation is that only sugary foods like candy and soft drinks lead to this kind of tooth decay. In fact, all carbohydrate-heavy food, including bread, pasta, potatoes, and rice, cooperate with the bacteria in your mouth to form the acids that cause cavities.
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly. Plaque is a germ-laden film that covers the teeth. The simplest way to get rid of it is simply to brush it away and to clean it from between your teeth with dental floss. At Zeal Dentistry, we recommend that you brush the teeth and gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice a day and that you floss at least once. It is also a good idea to use an antibacterial mouthwash, which can add to (but not replace!) the work done by your toothbrush and floss. Without following these basic rules of dental hygiene, the plaque on your teeth will harden into tartar, which can only be removed professionally.
What Are Common Gum Diseases?
The most common gum health problem is gingivitis. More than half of all adult Americans have some form of this gum disease, which is characterized by an inflammation of the gums. Signs of gum inflammation include:
- Bleeding during teeth brushing
- Having swollen-looking gums
- Having red gums
Another common gum health problem is periodontitis or periodontal disease. Almost half of all Americans over 30 years of age are affected by it. Periodontal disease has similar symptoms as gingivitis, but it also results in jawbone and gum tissue loss. This type of damage is especially concerning because the loss can never be recovered.
Contact Zeal Dentistry for a Checkup and Cleaning
However, one of the most important ways to avoid cavities is to visit your dentist at least every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. Just as there is no replacement for daily brushing and flossing, there are aspects of good oral health that only an experienced dentist can provide. They will also be able to catch cavities and other oral health concerns early. We offer the following types of dentistry:
Once you have a cavity, there is, unfortunately, nothing left to do but fill it. But the real answer to “How do I get rid of cavities?” is much more straightforward: avoid getting cavities altogether and treat them early if you do get them. So, contact Zeal Dentistry online or by calling 415.792.4771 today. Dr. Raina and our highly trained staff are waiting to provide you with the professional oral care you deserve.
