Brampton Dental Office, Bramalea Dentist

Phone

905-791-4000

E-Mail

office@peeldental.com

Address

40 Peel Centre Dr., #114
Brampton, ON, L6T 4B4

Blog

Dental Cavities

Dental Cavities

What is a cavity and how to treat dental cavities, Brampton

Dental cavities also known as caries, is a very common oral infection among individuals in Brampton of all age groups, from children to the elderly. Cavities are small holes in teeth that result from the decay of the enamel. This happens when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and other types of foods, producing acid. Poor brushing and flossing habits along with consuming too many sugary or acidic foods can increase the chances of cavities. If left untreated, cavities can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss.

Bacteria, primarily Streptococcus mutans, are responsible for cavity formation. It uses sugars present in foods to form acids. Acid produces the detrimental action of demineralizing the surface of tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Poor oral hygiene allows plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, to form on teeth. Plaque buildup makes it easier for cavities to develop. Quite often, it weakens enamel and speeds up the process of decaying due to excessive intake of foods that are too sugary or acidic.

Cavities may not have symptoms in the initial stages. When they grow, you might experience sensitive teeth, pain, or even actual holes visible in your teeth. Advanced cases may result in swollen gums, bad breath, or difficulty chewing. You should schedule a visit with your Brampton dentist based on these signs.

Good oral hygiene helps prevent cavities from occurring in the first place. Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, and floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles. Regular check-ups with dental cleaning will help detection problems early. Dentists may suggest fluoride treatments or sealants to protect teeth, which is very useful for people prone to dental cavities.

Your diet also has an effect on cavity prevention. Limit foods high in sugar and acid like candy, soda, and juice. These types of foods feed bacteria in your mouth and weaken enamel. A healthy diet promotes healthy teeth and healthy body.

The steps above will help you keep your teeth healthy and free from cavities.

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