Cavities are caused by the build up of plaque and bacteria on the teeth.
It’s no secret that sugar is not good for your teeth. In fact, consuming sugar regularly can increase the risk of tooth decay quite considerably. It is important to understand, however, that sugar alone does not cause cavities — there is a series of events that occurs in the mouth after you have eaten a sweet treat which, in time, leads to dental erosion and decay. Read on to find out more about the affect of sugar on the teeth, and what you can do to prevent cavities from developing…
What causes tooth decay?
The mouth is packed with many kinds of bacteria, some of which are harmful. Whenever you eat or drink something that contains sugar, these harmful bacteria produce acid as they feed on the sugars in your mouth. This acid then attacks the enamel of the teeth in a process known as demineralisation. Saliva helps to replace minerals and strengthen the teeth, but if you eat sugar frequently, the mineral loss can be considerable and the enamel of your teeth can weaken over time. When the enamel wears away, cavities can develop.
It is important to understand that sugar tends to attract harmful bacteria. These bacteria digest the sugar that you eat and form plaque on the surface of the teeth. If plaque is not cleaned away with regular brushing, the acidity levels in the mouth increase and cavities can develop. For this reason, it is advisable to limit your consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks, and to practice proper oral hygiene on a daily basis.
What are the symptoms of a cavity?
Cavities refer to damaged areas of the surface of the teeth that develop into small holes. If left untreated, cavities can become deeper and deeper over time. You may not notice that you have a cavity in its early stages, but as it gets larger and deeper, you may experience toothache, tooth sensitivity, and visible holes or discolouration on your teeth.
Even if you haven’t experienced any of the symptoms of a cavity, it is advisable that you see your dentist for regular check-ups and cleans. When your dentist examines your teeth, they will be able to identify any issues and recommend an appropriate treatment before the problem becomes more complicated.
How can they be treated?
If you go for regular check-ups, your dentist will be able to identify cavities before they cause painful symptoms. The sooner you have a cavity treated, the better your chance of resolving the effects of tooth decay and preventing further damage to your oral health.
There are a number of treatments for cavities, the most common of which is dental fillings. Fillings can be made from various materials, including composite resin, ceramic and amalgam. During the treatment procedure, your dentist will remove the decay from the affected tooth with the help of a dental drill. The tooth will then be cleaned and prepared, and the opening will be filled. The tooth will then be cleaned and polished for a natural-looking appearance. This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, which means that you won’t feel any discomfort throughout the process.
In the case of deep decay, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy to remove damaged pulp and save the tooth from extraction.
How can we help?
At Blue Star Dental, we offer a range of general dentistry services, including dental fillings. If you are struggling with toothache and discomfort and you suspect that you have a cavity, we encourage you to come in and see us. Dental fillings are a common dental procedure and are an effective means of restoring the function and appearance of damaged teeth. We offer both composite resin and ceramic fillings — to find out more about these treatments and their benefits, please have a look here.
We also offer root canal therapy for the treatment of deep decay and infection. If you would like to find out what the treatment involves, please have a look here.
To book an appointment, please contact us here or give us a call on (07) 3801 3499.