How to Get Rid of Cavities

The second most prevalent disease after the common cold is tooth decay, an infectious disease. 

Cavities are permanently damaged places that grow into small openings or holes in the hard surface of your teeth. Cavities, also known as caries or tooth decay, are caused by various factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugar beverages and not teeth cleansing properly. 

Cavities and tooth decay are among the world's most common medical issues. They are particularly common in children, teenagers and older adults. But anyone with teeth, including babies, can get cavities. 

If cavities are not treated, they become larger and affect your teeth's deeper layers. They may result in serious toothache, infection, and loss of the tooth. 

Symptoms

Cavity symptoms may vary, depending on their extent and location. You may not have any symptoms when a cavity is just starting. As the decay process increases, it can trigger signs and symptoms like:

• Toothache, spontaneous pain or pain that happens without any obvious cause
• Tooth sensitivity
• Slight to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, warm or cold
• Visible openings or pits in your teeth
• Brown, black or white staining on any tooth surface
• Pain when bite down

Causes

Cavities are caused by tooth decay — a process that takes place over time. Tooth decay happens when there are left on the teeth ingredients containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches), such as breads, cereals, milk, soda, fruit, cakes, or candy. These foods are digested by bacteria that live in the mouth and makes them into acids. The plaque is formed by bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva, which clings to the teeth. The plaque acids dissolve the teeth's enamel surface, producing cavities in the teeth.

Prevention

Good oral and dental hygiene can help prevent cavities and decay of the tooth. Here are some tips for cavity prevention. Ask your dentist about the best tips for you.

1. Brush with fluoride toothpaste.

Brush your teeth with fluoride-containing toothpaste at least twice a day and best after each dinner. To clean, floss or use an interdental cleaner between your teeth.

2. Rinse your mouth.

If your dentist feels that you are at high risk of developing cavities, he or she may recommend using fluoride mouth rinse. 

3. Have a regular visit to your dentist.

Get professional teeth cleaning and regular oral examinations that can help prevent or spot problems early. Your dentist can recommend a best schedule for you.

4. Avoid snacking and drinking frequently.

You assist your mouth bacteria generate acids that can ruin tooth enamel whenever you consume or drink beverages other than water. If you snack or drink all day long, your teeth are constantly being attacked.

5. Eat tooth-healthy foods.

Some foods and drinks are better for your teeth than others. Avoid foods that are stuck in your teeth's grooves and pits for long periods of time or brush them shortly after eating.  Foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, however, increase the flow of saliva, and tea, unsweetened coffee and sugar-free gum help wash away food particles.

6. Consider treatment with fluoride.

Your dentist may recommend regular fluoride treatments, particularly if you don't get enough fluoride from fluoridated drinking water and other sources. If your risk of tooth decay is very high, he or she may also suggest custom trays that fit over your teeth to apply prescription fluoride. 

7. Ask about antibacterial treatments.

If you are particularly vulnerable to tooth decay — your dentist may suggest special antibacterial mouth rinses or other treatments to assist reduce damaging bacteria in your mouth. 

8. Combined treatments.

Chewing gum based on xylitol along with prescription fluoride and antibacterial rinse may assist to decrease cavity risk. 

When to see a dentist

Many dental problems develop without any pain or other symptoms, even deep cavities. That's why regular dental check-ups and cleaning are important, even if your mouth feels good. However, see your dentist as quickly as possible if you experience toothache or mouth pain. Early diagnosis means treatment that is easier.