Why Are Cavities Still So Common?

Cavities have long been the most common concern for healthy, natural teeth, and most people recognize what they are. The good news is that preventing cavities from forming is a lot more successful than it used to be, thanks to advanced dental care and dental hygiene practices. However, they still remain common for many people, and treating them may be an important part of your dental care at some point. At our Grand Prairie, TX, dental office, we can help you improve your chances of avoiding cavities with regular preventive care, as well as treat any cavities that develop quickly and naturally with a tooth-colored filling.

They can develop naturally

There are a lot of things that can raise your risks of developing a cavity, but the root cause of a cavity is a condition known as tooth decay. This is an infection that begins when oral bacteria infect your tooth structure, which is made possible when tooth enamel becomes weak and compromised. The fact that cavities develop naturally from oral bacteria is one of the most important reasons why they’re so common. The same bacteria that cause them also make up a significant part of the plaque that develops on your teeth every day. All it takes is to let plaque calcify into tartar and remain your teeth long enough, and a cavity will develop on its own.

The earliest signs can go unnoticed

As a hole in your tooth structure, a cavity is a more serious condition than you might realize at first. If allowed to grow severe, the cavity will affect a majority of your tooth structure, and the underlying tooth decay can infect the tissues and structures at the center of your tooth. However, before this occurs, the early stages of a cavity will exhibit a few warning signs. Slight tooth sensitivity, barely noticeable discoloration in your tooth, and more might be easy to miss on your own, which is why sticking to a schedule of checkups and cleanings is especially important to preventing cavities or treating them as early as possible.

They can develop multiple times

Once you or your dentist notices the signs of a cavity, you can have it treated to stop it from becoming more severe and restore the healthy, natural tooth structure that remains. This can save your tooth and restore your smile with optimal results, but it doesn’t mean that smile is now safe from cavities forever. Oral bacteria will always be a part of your oral health, and so will the risks they pose. Even after treating your cavity, maintaining excellent hygiene and preventive dental practices will be important to ensuring your smile remains cavity-free in the future.

Find the best treatment for your cavity

Cavities may still be a common occurrence, but so is treating them and preventing them from reoccurring. To learn more about dealing with common cavities, schedule an appointment with Dr. Smith and our team by calling Pecan Tree Dental in Grand Prairie, TX, today at (972) 262-5111.