Everything You Need to Know About Dental Cavities
Hi, I'm Dr. Priya Mathew from MVP Family Dental, and I'm here to answer some of your questions about dental cavities.
What causes dental cavities?
Cavities are caused by different dental bacteria in your mouth, one of which is called Streptococcus mutans. These bacteria sit on your teeth, take sugar, and convert it into acid, which eats away at your tooth and causes a cavity.
How does a dentist check for cavities?
A dentist checks for cavities when you come in for your checkup by using an explorer, an instrument with a slight sharp edge, to feel for any soft areas on the tooth. We also use dental X-rays to detect interproximal cavities, which means between the teeth. Additionally, we use Pearl AI to help us distinguish decay more easily than the human eye can.
What are the stages of a cavity?
The stages of a cavity start with the incipient stage, where it's somewhat through the enamel, the outer layer of your tooth. It then progresses to the junction between the dentin and the enamel. Dentin is the inside of the tooth. Once it reaches the dentin, it spreads rapidly and can get down to the pulp, where your nerve is, and that's when it hurts. It's important to address the cavity before it reaches the pulp and causes pain. When people say, "Oh, it doesn't hurt," I tell them, "That's great. We want to stop it now." By removing the decay and filling it, we prevent it from spreading. It's like putting out a wildfire; if you can stop it with water, it won't keep going. It's the same idea.
Can cavities spread to other teeth?
In my experience, cavities cannot spread from tooth to tooth. It's the bacteria that spread and cause the cavities.
Is it possible for cavities to go away?
Cavities cannot go away unless they are incipient, meaning they're not through the enamel. Even then, they won't necessarily go away, but they can be arrested, like police. No, I'm kidding. But they can be stopped where they are to prevent further progression.
How do you stop a cavity from progressing?
By using fluoride rinses and attending regular checkups, we can detect cavities early with checkup x-rays. Flossing and brushing twice a day are crucial to removing food debris from the nooks and crannies in your teeth.
How long do cavity fillings last?
Cavity fillings should last years, if not decades, depending on how well you maintain your home care and regular dental checkups.
Do dental cleanings prevent cavities?
Dental cleanings help prevent cavities by allowing the dentist and dental professionals to check your teeth every six months, stopping cavities before they become large and painful.
What should I do if I suspect I have a cavity?
If you suspect you have a cavity, call us at MVP Family Dental at 2(252) 616-9444, or schedule below! Our staff would love to talk with you.