Dental Cavities? What Causes Them to Form

If you have been informed at your last Reno, NV checkup that you have dental cavities, you may be wondering what it was that caused them. Unfortunately, people will experience cavities at some point in their life and sometimes you cannot avoid them.

Cavities start out as small pinhole sized holes within the teeth that is caused by decay. Cavities can form into larger holes and completely destroy the tooth and root, if not handled in a prompt manner.

How Does a Cavity Form in the Mouth?

There are two main ways that a cavity can form in your mouth and both of them can be prevented with good oral hygiene. In fact, the first way is through bacteria that lives in the mouth and the second way is by eating a diet rich in starch and sugar.

The bacteria in your mouth is plentiful and there is quite an abundance of it. When bacteria and sugars or starches combine together, they form a substance called plaque, which is sticky. This sticky substance then attaches to your teeth and causes holes, known as cavities.

There are areas in your mouth where plaque can easily form and this is between the teeth and in spaces that are hard to reach. You may even notice a buildup of plaque along the gum line where the tooth meets the gums.

When a cavity first forms, it will form on the enamel, which is the first layer of on your tooth. As the cavity continues to get worse, it will move down to the dentin, which is the interior layer of the tooth. Often, the cavity will not reach the dentin, unless you allow it to progress past the first stages of the cavity.

Signs and Symptoms of a Dental Cavity

There are some signs and symptoms that a dental cavity is forming and needs to be addressed. If you notice any of these signs, it is important that you call Access Dental Care in Reno and schedule a consultation.

Some of the signs to watch for include:

• Tooth sensitivity, especially to hot and cold
• Toothaches
• Pain on the tooth when you bite down
• Sharp pain
• Black, brown, or white staining on the outside enamel of your tooth
• Holes in your tooth

Risk Factors for Dental Cavities

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to get a cavity than someone else. Sometimes, there are adjustments that can be mad to ensure this does not happen, but with close monitoring and dental exams in Reno, NV, they can be prevented.

Here are some of the risk factors that contribute to cavities:

• Foods high in sugars and starches
• Constant drinking and snacking
• Location of the tooth
• Night time eating and drinking
• Infants and seniors
• Not enough fluoride
• Improper dental hygiene
• Heartburn and indigestion
• Dry mouth

Schedule Your Appointment Now

If you think that you may have a cavity or if you are overdue for a dental examination, contact Access Dental Care in Reno today for a FREE consultation and appointment.