Be On the Lookout for Cavities

Our teeth are very important. We use them to eat, which nourishes our bodies and helps us stay strong and healthy. Our teeth also make up our smile which makes our first impression when we meet new people. Dr. Poorva Parnaik in Medford NJ can help keep your smile clean and fresh!

People have two sets of the teeth in their lifetime: our baby teeth and our adult teeth. Once we have adult teeth, usually by the age of thirteen, it’s crucial to take care of them as they must last the rest of your life. The most frequently encountered threat to a long life for your teeth are cavities.

Cavities are what we call spots of tooth decay on our teeth. These spots are where our tooth enamel has weakened, breaking open and exposing the sensitive soft tissues and nerves within. This exposure can cause your tooth to be sensitive to temperature or touch.  It can frequently cause difficulty chewing properly, which could severely limit your meal choices. Cavities are the most regularly diagnosed ailment from which humans suffer after the common cold. But what causes this threat to a healthy smile? What can we do to prevent cavities?

Our mouths are alive with bacteria.  These living organisms tend to concentrate and form plaque in places that are difficult to clean such as between our teeth and at our gum line.  When we eat carbohydrate rich foods such as sugars and starches, these bacteria in our mouths break the sugars and starches down, creating acids.  These acids bind to the plaque, eating away at the enamel of our teeth.

Cavities are usually treated by your dentist with fillings. Fillings, comprised of composite resin, amalgamated metals, gold, silver or glass ionomer, reinforce holes or weakened areas in tooth enamel. This stops the process of decay by denying any further bacteria and acids access to the compromised part of the tooth. Dr. Parnaik will consult with you to decide which material will work best for your teeth.   

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure as the saying goes. Brushing after meals or at least twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste is recommended to prevent cavities. Dentists also suggest cutting down on carbohydrates and practicing proper hydration. A dehydrated, dry mouth can accelerate the breakdown of your teeth by acids. Daily flossing is also recommended as it can clear the plaque and prevent the formation of cavities in those hard to reach spaces between teeth.

The most important of these preventative measures are regular check-ups and cleanings at your dentist’s office. For those patients in Medford NJ area, call 609.365.0673 or schedule an appointment online to consult with Dr. Parnaik if you think you may be suffering from cavity, would like to know more about how to prevent them or need a preventative teeth cleaning.