Cavities are a common dental problem. Cavities are caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth. The bacteria eat away at the tooth enamel, creating a cavity or hole in the tooth. Cavities can lead to pain and infection if not treated.
A visit to your general dentist can help detect and treat cavities early on before they become more serious problems. Here are four ways that general dentistry can help treat cavities:
1. General Dentistry Can Help Treat Cavities With Regular Checkups
Going to the dentist regularly for general dentistry checkups is crucial in preventing tooth decay because it gives your dentist time to evaluate your oral health and make recommendations regarding the best way to treat any issues that may develop. Regular dental checkups will also help prevent future dental issues by catching them early when they can be treated easily. Your dentist will conduct a thorough dental examination of all parts of your mouth, including checking for cavities and other signs of gum disease such as swollen gums or oral disease symptoms like bleeding gums or sores in your mouth.
2. General Dentistry Can Help Treat Cavities With Fluoride Treatments
If you already have a cavity, general dentistry can help treat it with fluoride treatments. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel on your teeth so that they are less likely to get cavities again in the future. It also helps repair some of the damage that has already been done by eating away at your enamel so that it doesn't continue to get worse over time.
3. General Dentistry Can Help Treat Cavities With Sealants
Sealants are a popular treatment for cavities. These thin plastic coatings are applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to protect against tooth decay. They're made of resin that's painted onto the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. This resin is then hardened with ultraviolet light, creating a protective barrier between enamel and sugars and acids in foods that cause tooth decay. A dental examination will help determine the correct sealant for your tooth.
4. General Dentistry Can Help Treat Cavities With A Tooth-Coloured Dental Filling
A tooth-coloured dental filling is one of the most common treatments for cavities. Cavities occur when the enamel on your teeth wears away and the softer dentin underneath becomes exposed. A tooth-coloured filling is made up of resin, which is bonded to the surface of your tooth. The resin helps repair minor cavities by protecting the sensitive dentin underneath. This type of filling also helps prevent further tooth decay by sealing off any cracks and holes in the enamel around your tooth.
Cavities are one of the most common diseases in the world, and they're also preventable. General dentistry can help treat them by providing sealants and other preventative measures. Chat with your dentist about how general dentistry can help with your cavities and dental filling needs today.