Most of you may have suffered from a disturbing case of cavities at some point in your lives.
Needless to say, if we fail to keep a check on our oral health, dealing with more cavities wouldn’t be surprising.
Just as irritating and problematic cavities are, treating them in a timely fashion is extremely important.
Premature care or timely treatment of cavities has numerous benefits, both long-term and short-term.
Cavities: The First Step to Tooth Decay
For those who don’t know, cavities are tiny holes that form on the tooth’s surface when it starts decaying.
Plaque is a yellowish film that layers on our enamel and causes harm to it. The bacteria present in this layer secrete acid that corrodes our teeth and lead to cavities. Hence, timely removal of plaque can help you evade cavities altogether. If not treated, the cavity worsens and causes undeviating harm to the tooth.
Allowing the cavities to worsen is more common than you actually think. Just about 28% of adults have untreated cavities. Since they are so common, people believe it’s fine to leave them they way they are. Bear in mind that cavities are a form of infection that require instant treatment.
Cavities Keep on Growing
Given the fact that cavities get worse over time, they can even lead to tooth loss in severe cases. Once a cavity is formed, it will keep on growing until you get it filled from the dentist. To fully understand the intensity of the damage, it’s important to learn about the basic structure of a tooth:
A tooth comprises of 3 parts:
- Enamel: The solid and shielding external layer,
- Dentin: The middle layer,
- Pulp: The innermost layer that consists of blood vessels and nerves.
The outermost layer (enamel) is the primary line of defense against bacteria that cause cavities. If you happen to delay a treatment, the bacteria will ultimately break through the enamel and make its way into the dentin, and ultimately, to the pulp.
If cavity-causing bacteria are permitted to reach the pulp, you can possibly suffer from a condition called pulpitis, or pulp inflammation. However, if treated in time, pulpitis can be cured with a basic filling. When cavities are allowed to expand, they can also result in root canals and tooth losses.
The best way to combat cavities is not letting them form.
However, if you already have cavities, Smile Magic Dentistry provides dental services in Orange County. Whether you need dental implants, porcelain veneers or simple teeth whitening, we have you covered for all. Call us at (714) 974-4332 for details of your treatment plan.
