Cavities may appear to come out of nowhere, but there are many underlying factors at play in their development. That's one of the many reasons education is paramount for proper dental care—especially for those who are just getting started. Kapolei Keiki Dental takes a caring, preventative approach in teaching the children of Kapolei, HI, about cavities and providing the type of top-notch dental services that will keep them from developing. 

While regular visits to the dentist are essential, the only way to effectively prevent cavities is to practice good oral hygiene habits and understand what causes them in the first place.

FAQ: The Origin & Symptoms Of Cavities

How Do My Eating Habits Lead To Cavities? 

When it comes to cavities, there are certain forms of sugar within food and drinks that allow bacteria to thrive. Improper teeth cleaning will lead to the bacteria feeding on these sugars and producing acids, after which they will form bacterial plaque. This sticky film coats your teeth, and its rough texture is typically more noticeable near the gums on the back of teeth. 

What Is Plaque's Role In The Process? 

Plaque becomes more difficult to remove if it's not taken care of while it's still soft. The acid within will eventually remove minerals found in your tooth's outer enamel, creating tiny holes as a result of erosion. This is the first stage of cavities, and it paves the way for bacteria and acid to enter dentin, the softer layer in your teeth under the enamel. From there, it's an onward march toward the pulp deeper within your teeth. 

Which Tooth Decay Symptoms Should I Watch Out For? 

Most tooth decay does not have any symptoms, until the cavities get very large. You want to prevent the cavities from getting very large by visiting Kapolei Keiki Dental.  

Once tooth decay begins to approach the nerves and blood vessels in the pulp, symptoms will be more prevalent. These include increased sensitivity, pain when biting, severe toothaches, among other symptoms. A tooth abscess may also come about if your body starts sending white blood cells to fight off the bacterial infection. For this and many other reasons, it's extremely important to take care of cavities in the earliest stages possible. 

The best way to handle cavities early is to make regular appointments with your dentist. Routine teeth cleaning and thorough checkups will keep plaque from advancing too far, and you'll be able to avoid all the pain and pricey procedures associated with filling any existing cavities. Take control of pediatric dental care from the beginning with the help of the award-winning Kapolei Keiki Dental. Visit them online for information on their treatments and more, and call them at (808) 944-1020 to make an appointment today.