Cavities & Tooth Decay
Cavities can result from many different factors. At Two Rivers Family Dentistry, we can help fight against cavities – once you have them and before you ever get them.
Cavities & Tooth Decay | Lisbon, ME Dentist |
A Stronger Healthier Smile
Tooth Decay can Lead to More Serious Health Concerns
Cavities and tooth decay can be painful and have a serious effect on your overall health. Don’t wait around until you feel the pain – schedule your regular six-month checkups with us, practice good dental hygiene, and try to avoid excessive amounts of sugar.
Let’s tackle good dental hygiene together. Call us today to schedule a visit and talk with our friendly staff about preventing cavities and fixing ones you might already have.
Think You Might Have A Cavity?
Six-Month Checkups
A crucial practice for a healthy smile. Call us today to schedule your regular six-month checkups.
Fillings
We can help remove the cavities and tooth decay and add a filling to get your smile back on track.
Dental Caps
An important step in the process of making your teeth and bite strong and healthy again.
Dental Fillings In Lisbon, Maine
What Causes Cavities & Tooth Decay?
Plaque Formation
Plaque forms after sugars or starches sit on your teeth for a long period of time. Plaque occurs because of bacteria growth on food that is stuck to our teeth. Plaque can form above or below the gum line.
Tooth Position
While brushing and flossing can be effective ways to fight plaque, some teeth are harder to clean than others. If you have crowded teeth it might be difficult to clean them adequately or prevent cavities from forming.
Diet
What we eat & drink has a large impact on our oral health. Sugary food and acidic beverages can greatly impact our enamel’s ability to fight tooth decay and prevent bacteria from spreading in our mouths.
Age
As we age it is common to lose your enamel. This is why dentists provide procedures like fluoride treatments and dental sealants to provide extra protection against decay.
Smoking & Tobacco
Smoking and other tobacco products can harm our oral health very quickly. Aside from staining teeth they can lead to oral cancer and can weaken your teeth from fighting bacteria.
Bad Oral Care
If you do not brush frequently or visit the dentist, it is possible for plaque to become tartar which is much more difficult to remove on your own. This is why you should visit the dentist regularly.
What Types Of Cavities Are There?
Root Cavities
As the name suggests, root cavities appear beneath the gum line and cannot be seen without dental x-rays.
Pit & Fissure Cavities
A “pit cavity” appears in biting surfaces of your molars. They are very common because food can get stuck there.
Smooth Surface Cavities
Smooth cavities appear on the outside of our teeth, often in the spaces between our teeth when we don’t floss.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cavities
Can A Cavity Be Reversed?
In some cases, early signs of tooth decay can be reversed. If dental decay is caught early, taking good care of your teeth can prevent a cavity from forming. This is why it is important to see a dentist twice per year, to make sure you catch dental problems as early as possible.
How Do I Know If I Have a Cavity?
Unfortunately symptoms of cavities do not often appear until a cavity has already formed. You usually want to catch tooth decay as early as possible to decrease the damage done to your teeth. However, if you notice tooth aches, sensitivity to cold/hot foods, pain when chewing, or indents in your teeth, these could all be signs of a cavity.
What Do I Do If A Filling Falls Out?
If you feel a filling fall out, immediately make an appointment with a local dentist. An emergency dentist can replace your filling. If you can’t see a dentist right away be very careful when chewing and when brushing your teeth. Avoid hard foods that could cause damage to your teeth.
