Do you have a toothache that just won’t go away? Do you have tooth pain when brushing or eating?
Cavities are the most common dental health concern that will affect nearly every patient to some degree. A mostly preventable condition, tooth decay remains prevalent amongst children and adult patients. Poor oral hygiene is the most common culprit of tooth decay- biannual dental checkups and twice-daily brushing and flossing can prevent cavities.
Owings Mills, MD family, and general dentists at our practice focus on preventive dental care for the long-term maintenance and care of patients’ natural smiles. Our dental care team encourages patients to visit the dentist once every six months for an oral health exam and professional teeth cleaning to help prevent cavity development. Our dental professionals can offer personalized advice such as proper brushing techniques and flossing tips to best maintain your smile in between your biannual dental checkups.
Treatment for Tooth Decay
Treatment for tooth decay will depend on the stage of development and on how much of the tooth structure is affected. Your dentist will conduct a thorough oral health exam to determine the appropriate treatment to restore the patient’s optimal oral health. There is a range of treatment options for tooth decay:
Tooth Decay in Children
By first grade, a staggering number of children have already developed tooth decay. Early life visits to the dentist office and a good oral hygiene routine can help protect your child’s teeth from disease and dental health problems later on in life. Our Owings Mill, MD dental care team recommends bringing your children to the dentist by the age of 1, or at the sight of their first tooth.
Preventing tooth decay in children, and adults, includes oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist, but it also requires healthy daily habits and a healthy diet. Avoiding beverages and foods high in sugar or starch can also help reduce the development of tooth decay. Try to monitor and limit your family’s daily sugar intake. When it is time for a special sweet treat, encourage your family to brush after.
Your doctor may recommend the use of sealants for children who are more susceptible to tooth decay. With a clear coating, sealants can prevent decay from developing in hard to brush areas of the teeth. The sealant treatment is non-invasive and patients experience little to no discomfort.
Schedule Your Family’s Routine Visit
Our team of family dentists provide comprehensive and personalized dental care for patients in all stages of oral health. We offer tailored treatment options for the needs of children and teen patients. Our family dentist office offers the convenience of being able to bring your whole family to one dentist office for quality, modern dental care.
Contact Owings Mills Dental Care at 410-782-3021 or request an appointment online today. Our dental care team provides compassionate, modern, preventative dentistry in a welcoming environment. We welcome new patients from Owings Mills, Pikesville, Reisterstown, Randallstown, Windsor Mill, Woodlawn, and surrounding Northern Baltimore communities.
Tooth Cavities FAQs
What happens if I don’t get a cavity treated?
The longer you let tooth decay go, the worse the problem gets. The decay can get into the tooth root, causing infection in the dental pulp and creating the need for a root canal. If tooth decay is left alone long enough, you may lose the entire tooth.
Is having cavities normal?
Over 90% of adults have experienced a cavity in their teeth. These adults on average have had around three cavities. Cavities are a common thing in children as well because of the sugary snacks children tend to love.
Does having a cavity in one tooth impact the rest of my teeth?
While cavities can’t spread to other teeth, the conditions that create one cavity in the mouth can definitely create other cavities. If your cavity goes untreated, it can turn into an infection, which can then spread to other teeth in the mouth.
How do I know if I have a cavity?
Cavities can often be detected through regular dental check-ups and X-rays. However, you may notice that your teeth are sensitive or feel pain when you eat or drink. Other obvious signs of tooth decay include visible holes in your teeth, or tooth discoloration. If you experience any of these symptoms, call us today to book a dental appointment to have your teeth examined.
Can cavities go away on their own?
Cavities cannot heal or go away on their own. Once a cavity forms, it will continue to grow and deepen if left untreated. It’s important to visit your dentist regularly to detect and treat cavities early, preventing further damage and the need for more extensive dental work.
Does eating sugar always cause cavities?
Eating sugar alone doesn’t directly cause cavities, but it plays a significant role. Sugar provides food for the bacteria already present in your mouth. Then an acid is produced which eats away at tooth enamel. Over time, this will lead to cavities. Practicing good oral hygiene and limiting the amont of sugary foods and drinks you consume will help prevent cavities from forming.
Are fillings the only way to fix cavities?
Fillings are a great way to fix your tooth if you have a cavity. However, this effective treatment is not the only to repair tooth decay. Your dentist will need to look at the damage to figure out the best way to repair the tooth. If you have severe decay, we may suggest other restorative treatments such as a dental crown, inlay, or even root canal therapy if the inner tooth is infected. The choice of treatment depends on the extent of the decay and the overall health of your tooth.
Can I still get cavities if I brush and floss regularly?
Brushing and flossing regularly significantly reduce your risk of cavities, but they don’t guarantee complete prevention. Cavities can still form if you consume a lot of sugary or acidic foods or have other risk factors like dry mouth or certain medical conditions. Regular dental visits are essential to detect and treat cavities early, even with good oral hygiene.
Are dental sealants effective in preventing cavities?
Yes, dental sealants are a great treatment option that will help prevent cavities, especially in children and teens. Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings that your dentist will apply to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. These back teeth are prevalent to tooth decay because you use them a lot to chew and there are many grooves for food to get caught. They work by adding a barrier to these teeth which will prevent food and bacteria from settling in and leading to cavities. It is proven that sealants will reduce your risk of cavities and are a simple, painless way to protect your teeth.