Cavities develop when decayed teeth suffer tiny holes in the enamel. These are common even with the first set of infant’s teeth in babies. For many people who are learning how to prevent cavities, finding the right dental clinic also helps form a great relationship with the dentists themselves. People prefer family dentists in Lucas, TX, with expertise on various types of dentistry, and a warm, welcoming environment that makes them feel at ease in the clinic.
How to Prevent Cavities
At home, you can prevent bacterial buildup by using a brush with soft bristles to clean your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing after consuming sugary foods such as ice cream, honey, and milk is essential. Tap water contains fluoride, which strengthens the enamel and replenishes your saliva, consequently eliminating the plague. For kids, it’s not advisable to give babies milk during the night, and toddlers should refrain from consuming too many sugary drinks.
Other conditions, such as reflux, will require immediate medical attention. Stomach acid that goes through your mouth plays a significant role in weakening the enamel; it makes it easy for tiny holes to occur and allows bacteria inside.
One of the best practices to avoid holes in the enamel and eventually cavities is by getting regular teeth cleaning in Lucas, TX. When you visit the dentist often for professional cleaning and examinations, you’ll successfully prevent tartar and plaque buildup.
What to Do When You Have Cavities
Cavities are very tempting to ignore. You may be in the bathroom and probably think its poor lighting that’s making your tooth appear as if it has a tint. Many people overlook the repercussions and find comfort in this explanation, but only for a short while. Eventually, the pain will worsen, and you’ll have no other option than to seek immediate medical attention.
Fillings can fix cavities in their early stages. However, if the bacteria infect the pulp, a root canal may be necessary. Therefore, it’s vital to visit the dentist as soon as you identify these signs of cavities.
Several dental care techniques offer assistance on how to prevent cavities in their initial stages, such as:
- Preventive care like observing proper hygiene and professional removal of tartar and plague
- General dentistry like X-rays and examinations
- Cavity repair through filling or crowns
- Pediatric dentistry for oral health care for young people
- Oral surgery, which is ideal if you’re missing many teeth or have jaw problems
Root Canal Therapy
This type of therapy is one of the most effective for treating cavities in the advanced stages. An extended crack into the nerves may cause stress that will require immediate care. Infections in some cases may extend to the jaw while not showing any symptoms. If an infection is visible or the nerve has not recovered, then the dentist will suggest root canal therapy.
Several symptoms of a tooth may require root canal therapy, including:
- Prolonged sensitivity
- Discoloration
- Pain when chewing
- Tenderness and swelling on the nearby or affected gum
- Persistent or recurring pimples on your gums
The dentist will apply anesthesia to make the area around the tooth numb for a painless procedure. Anesthetics with powerful numbing allow gentle removal of the nerve in the tooth. The pulp of the tooth will be drilled and removed together with the nerve. The dentist will then thoroughly clean the inside of the tooth to get rid of all cavities.
During root canal therapy in Lucas, TX, the nerve canal goes through shaping, disinfection, and the filling of the internal part of the tooth. For dental restoration, fillings or crowns can be done over the tooth. If you have a severe case of cavities, opt for root canal therapy. It’s a valid option on how to prevent cavities as it takes away infections while preventing further spread.