Cavities
Brushing and flossing our teeth is not only important for tackling bad breath and keeping our teeth looking great, but it can also help us prevent the development of cavities. Cavities are essentially holes and decay that occur in our teeth when bacteria, plaque, acids, sugars, and other harmful materials settle on our teeth and slowly eat away at the outer enamel. A cavity can go deep into the inner portion of the tooth, affecting the nerves and dental pulp and resulting in excruciating pain. At this point, root canal therapy may be needed. Smaller cavities and decay can be addressed with simple dental fillings, but their development should be avoided in the first place.
To avoid cavities, it is essential that you have extremely good oral health care practices in place. Brushing your teeth after every meal and flossing at least once a day will help keep plaque, bacteria, and food particles from causing decay. Regular check-ups with Dr. Greenberg Chief Dentist of Mouth Carolina Dentistry, PA, and one of the best dentists in Charleston, will also help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. Many cavities can be avoided with proper daily care of the mouth.
Additionally, watching what you eat can help alleviate your risks for cavity development. Sweet, highly acidic foods like candy and soda can cause cavities if they are not brushed away as soon as possible. Milk left in a baby or toddler’s mouth can also cause cavities and tooth decay, so avoid putting your baby down with a bottle at night or nap time.
Signs that you may have a cavity or tooth decay include:
- sensitivity to hot and cold
- pain in the tooth
- discomfort when eating sweets
In many instances, cavities can be addressed with a dental bonding material in order to seal up the decay and keep it from affecting the inner pulp. However, deeper, more extensive decay may require a root canal.
If you believe that you may have a cavity that needs attention, call Charleston Dentist Dr. Andrew Greenberg of Mouth Carolina today to schedule an appointment and find out how you can benefit from dental care and treatment.
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Mouth Carolina Dentistry, PA - Dr. Andrew Greenberg
Dr. Andrew Greenberg completed his Bachelor’s Degree in New Orleans, Louisiana at Tulane University. He graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine in 2009, where he portrayed excellent academic performance. He exercises his academic brilliance to the benefit of his patients every day. He grew up in a family with a dental background and showed interest in the field since his early days.
