Cavities, cavities. They were the reason why we never had enough chocolates and sweets when we were younger. However, do we know what a cavity is exactly? What makes it so bad?
To begin with, cavities are a type of tooth decay. They are permanently damaged areas in your teeth that form tiny holes. If these cavities are not treated immediately, they could lead to toothaches, infection or even worse, tooth loss.
Source: @Joycethedentist
Cavities can be caused by bacteria found in the mouth, snacking a lot, inadequate teeth hygiene and sipping sugary drinks. Cavities are most common among children, but they can affect anyone of any age so far as they possess teeth.
How to know if you have cavities
Symptoms of cavities vary depending on where the cavities are formed or how many cavities there are. You may not see any symptoms when a cavity begins, but as the cavity gets larger, you may notice;
- Pain when you bite down or into food.
- A black, white or black stain on the tooth’s surface.
- Visible holes on teeth that trap food particles inside your teeth
- Sudden tooth pain can be sharp and can happen at any time.
- Your teeth become very sensitive to both hot and cold food or drinks.
Seeing any of these symptoms means you should get to the hospital as soon as you can. But if you can not can’t do that and you would you would like to know how to stop your cavities from getting worse, you can try one or all of the following;
How to stop your cavities from getting worse
- Fluoride treatment: You must have heard of fluoride before. It is a mineral common in most toothpaste. If you use a fluoride treatment early enough, it can help by supplying minerals to your teeth and may even reverse tooth decay. However, if your cavity has become high risk (really bad), you will need a professional fluoride treatment from your dentist. Professional fluoride treatments are totally painless and have very little downtime. You should be able to eat strictly what the dentist recommends about thirty minutes after the treatment.
- Staying hydrated: Did you know that drinking water could stop your cavities from getting worse? Your saliva helps to fight against cavities and tooth decay. If your mouth is dry, there is no saliva. Therefore, there is no defence against cavities. Drinking water enriched with fluoride can help salvage your teeth. It washes away bacteria from your teeth and enriches it with minerals.
- Avoid sugary food: Sugar was what probably gave you cavities. Having more sugar with cavities only makes it worse. Limit your intake of sugary treats if you do not want to lose your teeth.
Trying out these remedies would not hurt, but if your cavity is developed (with extreme toothaches and holes), it is best that you seek medical attention immediately.
Cavities are dark, painful holes in your teeth, which can be caused by a number of factors, but primarily sugar. Generally, it is advised that you see a dentist twice a year so as to catch such tooth problems (tooth decay) early enough.
Disclaimer: This article was not written by a medical practitioner. If you suspect that you have cavities, please visit a dentist as soon as possible.
