What Exactly is a Cavity and How Can I Prevent Them?

Most everyone has heard of cavities but how many people actually know what they are? Even people who’ve had a few in their lifetime have only a basic idea of what they are. At California Dental Group, we’re always happy to provide our clients with as much information as they need about dental health and the procedures we offer. Today we’re going to explain cavities in simple terms and – more importantly – what you can do to prevent them.

A cavity is the space left in a tooth after that tooth has decayed

When your tooth decays, essentially it’s being eaten away. The cavity is the space that remains after it has been eaten away. This is why home care is so important – it can help prevent plaque, and reducing plaque means reducing the bacteria in the mouth that leads to tooth decay. Of course, regular cleanings with California Dental Group is the other main way to remove this plaque.

There are three places you can get cavities

Cavities occur in one or more of three potential places:

1. On the biting surface of your teeth. This is caused by plaque being trapped in the crevices of the teeth and is most common in kids.
2. Between teeth. This is caused by plaque building up in spots it’s hard to reach. Though toothbrushes can’t get here, floss can – which is one of the most important reasons to floss regularly.
3. On the root surfaces of your teeth. If you’ve had bone loss, which is typically caused by gum disease, plaque can get to the roots of your teeth. This can more easily cause cavities than on other parts of the teeth because roots don’t have enamel to protect them.

There are steps you can take to reduce the chance of getting a cavity

The good news is that cavities aren’t an inevitably. Instead, you can be sure to brush at least twice a day, use a toothpaste that includes fluoride, floss daily, and avoid foods and drinks with a lot of sugar. Make sure that you replace your toothbrush either when it’s starting to look worn or every three months – whichever comes first. Finally – and perhaps most importantly – make sure that you’re making appointments with California Dental Group twice a year for your cleaning and exam.

How often do you really need to see the dentist?

We are asked this question all the time: Do we really need to see the dentist twice a year? The answer actually varies based on your oral health history and what’s going on with your teeth and gums today. However, every six months is typically the minimum. Patients with significant issues may need to come back to us more frequently.

If it’s been awhile since you’ve seen a dentist, California Dental Group looks forward to helping you. Call us today at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment at one of our numerous locations. We are here to help you avoid cavities and to treat them if you get them.