Preventive Cleaning for Great Dental Health FAQs Orange County, Anaheim, Laguna Woods & Mission Viejo

Cavities, also known as dental caries, are holes in your tooth. There may be no symptoms. A common symptom is tooth pain, particularly after eating sweet, hot, or cold foods and beverages. There may also be visible pits or holes in the teeth. Most cavities are discovered during routine dental exams.

The bacteria in your mouth convert carbohydrates in food into acids. The bacteria, acids and saliva combine to form a sticky substance called plaque that sticks to the teeth. The acids in plaque damage tooth enamel and create cavities.

Since sugars and starches increase the risk of tooth decay, it is best to minimise their consumption. Frequent snacking increases the time that acids are in contact with the tooth. Sticky foods are more harmful because they remain on the teeth. Brushing your teeth immediately after consuming sugary foods and beverages helps prevent cavities. You should brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Also, regular dental exams and professional cleaning every six months are recommended.

Dental sealants may prevent some cavities. These are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars. The sealant prevents the accumulation of plaque in the grooves of the molar surface. Sealants are often applied on the teeth of children after the molars erupt. Adults may also benefit from dental sealants.

Yes! According to the National Institute for Health, Dental caries is one of the most significant health problems facing older adults. Caries is the primary cause of tooth loss in this population. With increasing longevity, the need for continued attention to good oral hygiene is paramount.

Your dentist will usually see evidence of a cavity during an exam. An x-ray will confirm the location and extent of the cavity.

Tooth decay is a general term which includes cavities on any of the tooth surfaces and tooth decay, which often occurs where there is gum recession. Most people use the two terms interchangeably.

While some people have claimed to heal cavities using dietary changes and supplements, these claims have not been supported by any of the professional dental organisations or schools of dentistry. No scholarly studies of clinical trials supporting these claims have been published.

To fix cavities caused by mild tooth decay, we will fill the cavities with another substance (fillings). For more severe tooth decay, you may need a crown or root canal. In extreme cases, we may have to remove the tooth and replace it with an implant.

Yes, in most cases a cavity in a primary tooth (baby tooth) needs to be treated with a filling. If not, the infection is likely to get worse and may spread to other teeth. Primary teeth play an important role in holding the space for the adult tooth that will come in. Sometimes, if the tooth is really close to falling out, it can be left alone, or the tooth can be removed.

How can parents prevent early childhood cavities?
In addition to the prevention methods discussed above, dental sealants and fluoride varnish are options to consider. These should be discussed with your dentist.