It is incredibly common for teeth to develop cavities. Chances are that you have at least one dental filling, for example. If so, you’re in good company. More than nine out of 10 adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have had at least one cavity. Even though decay is so common, though, a lot of people remain ill-informed about cavities. Of course, knowledge is the first line of defense when it comes to maintaining a luminous and healthy smile. If you want to prevent decay, start by reviewing the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about cavities.

FAQ About Cavities & Dental Fillings

What are dental cavities?

A dental cavity is essentially a bacterial infection of the teeth. Over time that bacteria break down tooth structure causing holes or hollow spots in the teeth. They may not manifest any symptoms until they have become fairly large. And, depending on their location, they may not be visible to the naked eye. In other words, you could have one or more cavities without even realizing it.

What causes cavities?

Enamel may be the hardest substance in the body, but it is not indestructible. The bacteria in plaque is the primary culprit when it comes to cavities. Bacteria thrive on the sugar in your diet and produce acid when breaking it down. This, in turn, contributes to the deterioration of enamel and, eventually, dentin — resulting in cavities.

How do dentists treat cavities?

Dentists can treat most cavities with dental fillings. During this simple procedure, a dentist will remove the damaged part of the tooth, fill the void with a durable material like silver amalgam or composite resin, shape it, and set it. If the cavity is too large to be treated with a dental filling, the damaged tooth may need a crown. If the decay reached the pulp, root canal treatment may be necessary first.

Can a cavity spread from one tooth to another?

Cavities are not contagious in the traditional sense, but decay can affect some or all of your teeth. The bacteria that causes one cavity will continue wreaking havoc in the mouth and go on to cause others if it is left to thrive.

Can cavities go away on their own?

Once destroyed, enamel cannot regenerate itself. In other words, cavities will not go away on their own. The only way to treat dental caries—and prevent further damage—is by visiting your dentist for a restoration or extraction.

If you think you need a dental filling—or you’re simply overdue for a professional cleaning—turn to Beard & Holmen. Located in Waterloo, IL, this family-oriented practice is led by three seasoned dentists—including a father and son—who have been treating patients throughout Monroe County for over 70 combined years. In addition to general dentistry, they offer comprehensive cosmetic procedures and restorative treatments. Call (618) 939-7181 to make an appointment, and visit their website for new patient information.