If you want a strong and healthy smile, then you need to avoid cavities. Cavities, which are also known as tooth decay, are dangerous dental problems that can destroy your smile and oral health if you let them. It’s best to prevent cavities by keeping up on oral hygiene, visiting your dentist, Dr. Carolyn Yu, every six months, and avoiding acidic and sugary foods and drinks. To tell you a little more about cavities, our dental team is happy to answer these commonly asked questions:
What causes cavities?
Plaque causes cavities. Plaque is a white, sticky film that develops when food particles and bacteria mix with the saliva in your mouth. While it forms on the teeth, it attacks the enamel. This wears the enamel down and allows the plaque to create a hole in the tooth, which is a cavity.
What happens if I ignore a cavity?
It can spread from the outer surface of the enamel to the inner surfaces of the tooth. It can also spread to the tooth root and cause an infection in the gums. If the cavity is still allowed to spread, it can attack surrounding teeth.
What are the treatments available for fixing cavities?
The treatments available include dental fillings, dental inlays and onlays, dental crowns, root canal treatment, and tooth extraction. Each treatment is used for different stages of the cavity development.
Do you have any questions about cavities in Pinole, California, or would you like to know more? If so, our dental team is more than happy to help you. All you need to do is contact Carolyn L. Yu, DDS at 510.974.2147 when you get the chance. We look forward to hearing from you and teaching you all about cavities!
