Do you have one tooth sensitive to temperature? If you have frequent tooth pain, you may have a cavity. Dental cavities are common dental concerns but are highly damaging. Dr. Chad Boustany offers cavity protection in his Charleston, WV, dental office as part of our dental services. As a general dentist, Dr. Boustany can help you keep your teeth healthy and free of tooth decay.
How Dental Cavities Form
Cavities don’t happen overnight. Tooth cavities form slowly over time when your teeth are exposed to harmful bacteria and acids. Your mouth naturally has bacteria, but when these bacteria feed on sugars and starches from food or drinks, they create acid. This acid is strong enough to wear away the outer layer of your teeth, called enamel.
When enamel becomes weak, tiny holes or soft spots begin to form. Cavities often develop faster in areas that are harder to keep clean, like the grooves of your back teeth, between teeth, or near the gumline. If you don’t brush or floss, eat too much sugar, and don’t visit the dentist regularly, all these factors can increase your risk of cavities.
Common Signs of Cavities
Knowing what to look for can help you spot cavities fast. At first, you may not notice any signs, but as the cavity grows, you might start to notice:
- Tooth sensitivity when you have hot or cold foods or drinks
- White, brown, or black spots on teeth
- Throbbing tooth pain
If you do nothing about cavities, you can experience a dental abscess or tooth loss. A tooth abscess is a painful infection that forms when bacteria reach deep inside the tooth. This happens when a cavity is left untreated and spreads through the enamel and dentin into the pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels are located. The infection can cause swelling, throbbing pain, and sensitivity to hot or cold. In some cases, the infection can spread to the gums, jaw, or even other parts of the body if not treated quickly.
Tooth loss is another possible outcome of untreated cavities. As decay continues to weaken the tooth, it may break apart or become so damaged that it can no longer be saved. Losing a tooth not only affects your appearance but also makes it harder to chew and can cause your other teeth to shift out of place
Please contact us if you notice changes in your oral health. Dr. Boustany will examine your mouth for problems and can recommend treatments like dental fillings if needed.
Fluoride Treatment at Revive Dental
Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps protect your teeth from cavities and strengthens tooth enamel. At Revive Dental, we offer professional fluoride treatments that give your teeth an extra layer of protection against decay. These treatments are quick, painless, and especially helpful for children, teens, and adults who are prone to cavities.
During a fluoride treatment, Dr. Boustany or a member of our dental team will apply a fluoride gel, foam, or varnish to your teeth. The fluoride soaks into the enamel, making it stronger and more resistant to acid attacks caused by plaque and bacteria. This can help reverse early signs of decay and prevent new cavities from forming.
Fluoride treatments are often recommended during regular dental visits, usually every six months. Patients with a higher risk of cavities, such as those who snack frequently, have braces, or have a history of tooth decay, may benefit from more frequent applications.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a simple and effective way to protect your teeth from cavities, especially the back teeth where decay often starts. Sealants are thin, protective coatings that are applied to the grooves and chewing surfaces of your molars and premolars. These coatings act like a shield, keeping out food, plaque, and bacteria that can cause cavities.
The process of applying sealants is quick, painless, and non-invasive. First, your teeth are cleaned and dried. Then, Dr. Boustany applies the liquid sealant to the surface of your teeth, and it hardens to form a protective layer. The entire procedure usually takes just a few minutes for each tooth, and it does not require any drilling or removal of tooth structure.
Sealants are especially helpful for children and teenagers, whose newly erupted teeth are more vulnerable to cavities. However, adults can also benefit from sealants, particularly on teeth that have deep grooves or are prone to decay. Once applied, dental sealants can last several years, though regular dental checkups are important to make sure they are still intact.
Prevent Cavities at Home
At Revive Dental, we know that professional treatments like dental sealants and fluoride applications are important for protecting your teeth. But you also play a big role in keeping cavities away every day. Simple habits at home can make a big difference in maintaining a healthy smile.
Brush and Floss
Brushing and flossing are the foundation of good oral hygiene. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. Brushing helps remove plaque, the sticky layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth. It also prevents it from turning into cavities. Don’t forget to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces.
Flossing once a day is just as important. Floss reaches the areas between your teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. This helps remove food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities from forming in these hidden spots. Teaching kids to floss early sets them up for a lifetime of strong, healthy teeth.
Limit Sugary Foods
Sugary snacks and drinks feed the bacteria in your mouth, producing acids that can wear down enamel and lead to cavities. Try to limit candy, soda, and sticky foods, and choose healthier alternatives like fruits, vegetables, or water. If you do enjoy sweets, rinse your mouth with water afterward or brush your teeth soon after eating.
Schedule Regular Visits
Regular dental checkups at Revive Dental are key to cavity prevention. During these visits, Dr. Boustany can spot early signs of decay before it becomes a bigger problem. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that you might miss at home. Most patients should visit the dentist every six months, but we may recommend more frequent visits if you’re at higher risk for cavities.
Schedule an Appointment
Get cavity protection in our dental office in Charleston, WV. Call 304-396-6658 or request an appointment with us online.