Epping Dentist Tips to Control Cavities and Treatments to Get Rid of Them

Posted by Dr.Thuy Le on August 6th, 2019

Cavities may start as tiny holes in the teeth caused by acids produced by bacterium Streptococcus mutans. Once the acid penetrates the enamel it can then erode the hard material until it reaches the soft inner core known as dentin. A cavity is now formed. This provides a pathway for bacteria to infect the dentin and caries sets in ultimately resulting in tooth decay. Since nerve endings are affected you will feel pain. Matters do not have to reach this stage. You can take action to control cavities and even stop minor ones from developing into major ones with proper care at home. The better way, of course, is to have cavities treated by your friendly Epping Dentist.

Epping Dentist

Preventing cavities

Once a cavity has formed and the dentin decays there is no other option but to be professionally treated by your Epping dentist. A root canal treatment saves your tooth. Why let matters get to that stage? You can prevent cavities with proper practices such as:

  • Chew gum: use sugar-free xylitol based gums that contain phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate. This chemical reduces streptococcus mutans. Plus, since your mouth always has a fresh supply of saliva, bacteria cannot flourish.
  • Consume Vitamin D: Take a supplement or consume foods that are high in vitamin D such as yogurt. Make it a point to be out in the sun for at least a half hour to help your body synthesize this vitamin. Calcium and vitamin D help to rebuild enamel faster and remineralize your teeth.
  • Use fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride is extremely beneficial in remineralizing enamel as well as in preventing cavities. Use fluoride toothpaste and get your children to use fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities.
  • Oil pulling: Chlorhexidine is a good anti-bacterial mouthwash you should use on a regular basis. However, if you do not like it or are allergic then you may try sesame oil pulling practice. You can just as well use coconut oil. Swish it around in your mouth for 10 minutes at least, the first thing in the morning. It helps remove plaque, kill bacteria and also to keep gums healthy.
  • Herbs: In-depth scientific studies are needed but there is no doubt that herbal solutions are effective. You could, for instance, chew licorice root. It controls growth of bacteria. Neem is another very effective herbal way to kill bacteria that cause cavities. Simply keep one clove inside your mouth.

When you have cavities

You may not even know you have cavities until decay affects dentin and causes pain. One of the best ways to identify caries in progress is to visit your Epping dentist who will conduct a thorough check and will take appropriate action. 

  • Filling: Cavities in their nascent stage may descend below the enamel layer but may not have worked their way down to the pulp. There is hope. Your Dentist Epping will clean the cavity and then fill it with a sealant that stays in place for years.
  • Root canal: However, not everyone is so fortunate. Neglect and delay leads to progression of caries and as a consequence your tooth’s dentin is affected. Decayed pulp material is extracted by drilling and the cavity is cleaned before it is plugged with a sealant and then capped with a crown. Your tooth is now safe for at least a few years.
  • Extraction: This is the last solution when decay has reached the stage where it is simply impossible to save the tooth. Your friendly and caring Epping dentist removes the offending tooth. The gap may be filled later on with a bridge or an implant.

Prevention is always better since there is no remedy to regrow teeth. Something as simple as visiting your dentist once every two months or so will help in identification of cavities and proper measures by Epping dentist to ensure teeth stay healthy.

The author operates a dental clinic in Epping, NSW, focusing on preventive and restorative dentistry as well as cosmetic dentistry and surgery. In his free time he loves to write articles and inform people about better oral health care practices.

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Dr.Thuy Le

About the Author

Dr.Thuy Le
Joined: August 6th, 2019
Articles Posted: 1