If you have a cavity, you are likely wondering whether it needs to be tended to right away, whether it will get worse, if it will stagnate or possibly even improve the condition. A cavity is a tiny hole in the tooth that gradually expands as time progresses. This form of decay occurs when acid consumes the protective enamel on the teeth. As soon as the enamel is removed, the cavity will gradually eat the tooth until it hits the blood vessels and nerves in the tooth. You have the power to mitigate the cavity's expansion and resulting pain, discoloration and odor.
Here is a look at how you can stop your cavity from getting worse.
Brush the Tooth With Care
Brushing is essential to preventing your cavity from worsening. Brushing will also help prevent the formation of even more cavities. Zero in on the cavity as you brush to eliminate any remaining food particles from your snack or meal. This thorough brushing can help hinder the cavity's progression.
Hydration Will Help Prevent the Cavity From Worsening
An overly-dry mouth will permit the accumulation of bacteria that cause cavities. Consuming an abundance of water will keep your mouth moist and help thwart the cavity's progression.
A Fluoride Treatment Will Mitigate the Cavity’s Progression
Fluoride really can prevent bacteria from multiplying within the mouth. Fluoride remineralizes enamel to make teeth as strong as possible. Such fortified teeth are that much more resistant to cavities. In some cases, pinpointing a cavity in the early stages and applying a fluoride treatment will reverse the decay. Speak with our dentist about fluoride treatments to find out more about this approach to combating cavity progression.
Saltwater Rinses Might Help
Saltwater has antiseptic properties. Oral health professionals often recommend patients use saltwater when a wound or infection is present in the mouth. Saltwater can even destroy bacteria that leads to the formation of cavities. Swish with salt water as soon as you find out you have a cavity and it just might slow its expansion.
The Role of Xylitol Gum in Preventing Cavities From Worsening
Gum with Xylitol does all sorts of good things for your mouth. Xylitol is a natural alcohol that helps destroy bacteria and ward off infections. Chew Xylitol gum following snacks and meals to help prevent the cavity from worsening.
Avoid Refined Sugar to Prevent Your Cavity From Worsening
The worst thing you can do to your cavity faces exposure to acid. Do not consume sugary beverages or foods after you find out you have a cavity. Cavities that result from acid-generating bacteria will only continue to expand if surrounded by the acid in sugar.
If you have a craving for something sugary, rinse out your mouth with water immediately after indulging. When possible, clean your teeth with floss and toothpaste to prevent the cavity from worsening.
Why does this all matter?
Request a dental appointment here: https://www.realgooddentist.com or call City Centre Dental at (248) 423-9393 for an appointment in our Southfield dental office.
Recent Posts
When it comes to general dentistry, it is recommended that you use mouthwash as part of your daily oral hygiene regimen because it kills the germs left in your mouth after brushing. Most adults use a mouthwash that contains alcohol because they believe it kills germs more effectively than alcohol-free mouthwash.In an effort to figure…
Oral hygiene is just as important as overall body hygiene is, and sometimes people aren’t aware that it is just as necessary to maintain — but with the help of a dentist in Southfield, a person should be able to maintain good oral hygiene.In this article, we will go over a few tips for everyday…
When picking a toothbrush and toothpaste, there are many things that should be considered. Some people might even find themselves wondering if using a toothbrush with toothpaste does much more than other alternatives.The reality is: Toothpaste is an essential part of good oral hygiene. A quality toothpaste does a better job than other alternatives, like…
Overstating the importance of dental health is impossible. The state of a person's mouth is directly linked to their overall well-being. The mouth is just another part of the body, so keeping it healthy promotes good health in other areas.Here are five reasons why making oral health a priority is essential:People dealing with gum disease…