Many people dislike going to the dentist for a routine exam, and this is worsened when you discover you have a cavity. While having a cavity is a pain in more ways than one, this dental care issue is easily treatable when you have the right information. Below are a few of the common questions about cavities.

What Causes Cavities?

Diet and inadequate dental care are the two leading causes of cavities. When you eat sugary foods, the bacteria present in plaque clinging to your teeth feed on it and produce acids. These acids eat away at tooth enamel, which in turn causes cavities and decay. Dry mouth also increases your cavity risk since saliva prevents plaque from sticking to teeth in the first place.

What Are the Signs of Tooth Decay?

As enamel wears down, a person’s teeth will experience increased sensitivity to hot and cold items. Pain and discomfort occur when you bite down using the affected tooth. Toothaches that occur randomly and are unrelated to dental trauma or a similar issue can also signal a cavity. In more severe cases, you will notice staining or even holes in your tooth.

How Are Cavities Treated?

As your dentist most likely tells you at every visit, the best defense against cavities is brushing and flossing daily. Once a hole has developed, a filling is necessary. With a filling, the dentist drills the damaged tissue and replaces it with a hard substance, such as metal or resin. You might also undergo a root canal, which is for substantial decay. In this case, the dentist removes nerve tissue before the tooth is filed down and filled. You can place a crown on top of the tooth after the procedure, which keeps the tooth stable. 

If you’re experiencing a toothache in Columbia, MO, schedule a visit with Keen Dental Care. They provide a variety of stress-free cavity treatments, including root canals, bonded fillings, and crowns. They also offer routine teeth cleaning and fluoride treatments, which prevent tooth decay from becoming an issue. Learn more about the complete listing of services by visiting the website. You can also schedule an appointment with dentist Dr. Johnathan Mallott D.D.S. by calling (573) 875-5336 today.