Facts about Dental Cavities

Cavities are the most common dental health problem and can affect people of all ages. Our dentist in Hawthorne offers a variety of preventative treatments, but you can take an active role in keeping your teeth healthy too. Here is what you need to know about cavities.

1. Sugar is not the actual culprit; bacteria are to blame for cavities. However, sugary foods feed oral bacteria, which allows them to do even more damage.

2. Acids damage your teeth. The acids secreted by bacteria and in the foods you eat erode dental enamel, making the tooth more vulnerable to tooth decay.

3. Cavities can affect people of all ages. Babies, children, teens, adults, and senior citizens can all get cavities.

4. You may have a cavity and not even know it. By the time a cavity begins to hurt, serious damage may have been done. Minor cavities may not be noticeable to you, but regular checkups can catch them and manage them before they cause worse problems.

You can prevent cavities. Good dental hygiene is one of the best ways to avoid cavities. Good brushing and flossing habits remove bacteria and plaque from teeth. If you keep your teeth clean, you will be at a dramatically lower risk of cavities. However, some things can still increase your risk, including improperly spaced teeth, bruxism and certain medications. If you have any risk factors, you may benefit from more frequent professional cleanings.

Give us a call today to learn more about how you can protect your smile or to schedule an appointment with our expert in root canal in Hawthorne.

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