General Discussion - The "Hole" Truth About Cavities dannyabel - Tue Dec 18, 2012 10:46 pm Post subject: The "Hole" Truth About Cavities
The "Hole" Truth About Cavities
Cavities are the second most common health air syringe problem next to the common cold. In fact, a toothache caused by a cavity is the number one reason people will go see a dentist. Dentists and dental assistants certified by a Utah dental assisting college are spending more and more time dental lab equipment educating their patients on the importance of cavity prevention.
Dental caries, or cavities, are holes in the enamel and dentin, the two outer layers of a tooth. These layers protect the bundle of blood vessels and nerves in the inner tooth, called the pulp. Cavities are caused by bacteria that metabolize the simple sugars found in food, which is then converted into acidic plaque. This acidic plaque starts to soften the enamel and dentin layers of the tooth. Saliva produced in the mouth then dissolves the dental handpiece softened layers, forming a hole or "cavity" in the tooth. If left untreated by a dentist or dental assistant trained by a Utah dental assisting college, cavities can fill with food particles, continue to grow and eventually damage or kill the sensitive pulp.
The general treatment of cavities is to have them cleaned out and then filled; however, cavities can cause the inner tooth to become infected and abscess, which requires a dental instruments root canal. During a root canal, the dentist, with the aid of a dental assistant certified by a dental assisting college in Utah, will remove the dead or dying pulp and replace the empty space with an inert material.
With good diet, proper oral hygiene, fluorides and sealants, cavities can be easily prevented. Because bacteria in the mouth consume and thrive off of simple dental equipment sugar, reducing the amount of sugar in one's diet can drastically reduce the risk of dental caries. In addition, making sure there is enough calcium, phosphorous and vitamins A, D and C in one's diet will strengthen enamel.
To prevent cavities one must also practice proper oral hygiene. People should brush and floss their teeth for two to three minutes, at least two times per day. Brushing and flossing right after a meal is preferable; however, if this is impossible, people should chew self-cleaning foods, such as apples or celery. Crunchy foods like these will help brush away plaque and food debris. Drinking water and chewing sugarless gum can also help.