08 Jan Insights from Rogers Park/ Lincoln Square Area Dentists: Things You Need to Know About Cavities
Cavities are a very common dental condition. They can pop up out of nowhere, even if you have an excellent oral hygiene routine. Why is that? Well, there are several factors that come into play, and in this article, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about this condition.
Dry Mouth and Cavities
Many patients will suffer from dry mouth due to side effects from medication. In fact, 25% of Americans take 5 or more medications a day, some of which have dry mouth as a side effect. However, dry mouth can be experienced due to other factors as well. This condition accelerates the process of tooth decay, even if you take excellent care of your teeth. To make matters worse, many people will use hard candies as a way to counter the effects of dry mouth, which increases the risk of cavities. If you find yourself using candies, sweets, or sugary chewing gums to treat dry mouth, you should consider switching to sugar-free chewing gum or xylitol mints.
The Impact of Various Drinks
Your diet can have a big impact on the way cavities form. Of course, we all know about sugar, but high fructose corn-syrup can also be a problem. As such, it’s best to avoid sugary drinks, since they can be some of the most problematic parts of a diet. From sodas, to energy drinks, to sports drinks, you’ll want to watch your intake if you have sensitive teeth.
However, these drinks are not just sugary. They are also acidic. So, if you think about switching to diet soda because it doesn’t have sugar, it’s important to note you’ll still be vulnerable due to the high levels of acidity. This is in addition to the many negative health effects that diet sodas have on your body. It’s best to just avoid these drinks altogether.
Other Health Issues and Their Relation to Cavities
Acid is not only found in food and drinks—you also have it in your stomach, and if you suffer from acid reflux, you are well aware of this fact. Acid reflux, besides being thoroughly uncomfortable, also has an effect on your teeth. The stomach acid is so powerful that it can eat away at your teeth. If you suffer from acid reflux, it’s important that you take the steps necessary to remedy it. This can be done by changing your diet, or by managing it with medication.
Other health issues that have a disproportionate impact on your oral health are genetic. Some people are born with a proclivity for cavities, and this can manifest itself in patients who have teeth with underdeveloped enamel. There is not much you can do to address this situation, except having an excellent diet and dental care routine.
Can Cavities Be Cured?
Cavities will never really go away, but they can be treated, and the likelihood of them developing can be reduced. Dentists will treat cavities based on their severity. Some will require very minor procedures, while others will develop to the point where they destroy the structure of the tooth, and the only solution is a crown. However, it does not have to get to this point. With proper dental care, routine checkups, and a healthy diet, the chance of severe cavities is drastically lowered. Make sure to check with your dentist and follow his or her instructions to maintain excellent oral health.
Have Your Cavities Treated as Soon as Possible by a Rogers Park/Lincoln Square Area Dentist
Cavities should not be left untreated. Not only do they hurt and lead to bad breath, they can also damage a tooth to the point where it needs much more expensive treatment options. The professionals at Dental Innovations can help! To schedule an appointment to treat your cavities contact Dental innovations today.