Hi, it's Mia Armonde here to talk to you about family dentistry. As my small family grew into a large one, I found myself at the dental office on a regular basis. Every six months, the kids would go into the dentist for a cleaning or repairs to their teeth. During that time, I took an interest in the various ways the dental tools were evolving. Tools used in the dental industry have grown in leaps and bounds in the last few decades. For example, my kids went from hearing the dental drill to wearing headphones that completely canceled out the sound. Each time we go back into the dentist, I take a close look at the improvements that have arisen since the last visit. The results are astounding. I will cover my findings on this site, so you can also enjoy the improvements to dental tools and techniques.
Some people consider small dental cavities harmless. However, many dental problems, including cavities, can cause dangerous complications if not treated. Below are some reasons you should not ignore small dental cavities.
Cavities Get Bigger With Time
Dental cavities form when some parts of your teeth lose minerals that make up their hard surfaces. The process, which dentists call decalcification, leaves the affected parts of your teeth with openings and holes.
The openings or holes will widen and deepen if you don't treat them. The wider and bigger cavities can reach the deeper teeth tissues, including the pulp or tooth nerves. If you still don't treat the cavity at that point, it might worsen and cause tooth loss.
Early Decalcification Is Reversible
As mentioned above, decalcification is the first stage of dental cavity formation. Fortunately, you can reverse decalcification if you begin treatment at this initial stage. However, you cannot reverse advanced dental cavities. Here are options for reversing decalcification:
The chosen treatment depends on the degree of the problem, among other issues. Your dentist will customize your decalcification reversal treatment for the best results.
Cavities Spread
The acids that decalcify your teeth and cause cavities come from acidic foods or starch/sugar that bacteria feed on and reduce to acids. The bacteria can spread to other teeth and cause cavities if you don't treat the initial cavities.
The bacteria can even spread to other people and give them cavities too. For example, you can spread your cavity-causing bacteria to others when you kiss them or share spoons (think infants and their caregivers or mothers). Treat cavities early to minimize their spread.
Even Small Cavities Cause Bad Breathe
Cavities might not be painful initially, but that doesn't mean they are harmless. For example, cavities can cause bad breath when bacteria decay food that remains on your teeth. Moreover, the small openings and holes are difficult to clean. They can hide bacteria and food remains and cause chronic bad breath even with regular brushing.
As you can see, no dental problem is too small for you to care about. Maintaining good oral hygiene can go a long way in preventing dental issues, but you still need treatment if you develop a problem. Contact a local dental office to learn more about family dental care.
Share9 February 2023
