Tooth Decay (Cavities)
Prevention, detection, and treatment of cavities at Dentists at Thickwood
Tooth decay is one of the most common health conditions worldwide. It occurs when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that eat away at your tooth enamel, creating holes called cavities. Left untreated, decay can spread deeper into the tooth, causing pain, infection, and eventually tooth loss at Dentists at Thickwood.
Common Causes
- Bacteria feeding on sugars and starches in your diet
- Poor brushing and flossing habits
- Frequent snacking or sipping sugary drinks
- Dry mouth; saliva helps wash away bacteria
- Worn fillings or dental restorations
- Receding gums exposing tooth roots
- Lack of fluoride in water or toothpaste
When to See a Dentist
Do not wait for pain; cavities often do not hurt until they are advanced. Regular check-ups every 6 months catch decay early when it is easier and less expensive to treat. If you notice dark spots, holes, or sensitivity in a tooth, schedule an appointment promptly in Fort McMurray.
How We Treat Cavities
Small cavities are treated with tooth-colored composite fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Larger areas of decay may require a crown. If decay reaches the nerve, root canal therapy at Dentists at Thickwood can save the tooth. We focus on early detection and prevention to help you avoid more extensive treatment.
Preventing Further Decay
Prevention is always more effective and affordable than treatment. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes, and floss once daily to clean between teeth where your brush cannot reach. Limit sugary and starchy snacks between meals; every time you eat, bacteria produce acids that attack your enamel for up to 30 minutes.
Drinking water after meals helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids. Consider using a fluoride mouthwash for additional protection, especially if you are prone to cavities. Professional fluoride treatments at Dentists at Thickwood provide a concentrated dose that strengthens enamel and can even reverse early-stage decay before a cavity forms. For children, dental sealants provide a protective barrier on the chewing surfaces of back teeth where decay most often starts.
Stages of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay progresses through distinct stages, and understanding them helps illustrate why early treatment matters. In stage one, acids begin to demineralize the enamel surface; at this point, the process can still be reversed with fluoride and improved hygiene. Stage two occurs when enamel breaks down and a visible cavity forms, requiring a composite filling.
In stage three, decay penetrates through the enamel into the softer dentin layer underneath, spreading more rapidly and often causing sensitivity. Stage four involves the tooth pulp, the innermost layer containing nerves and vessels, becoming infected; this causes severe tooth pain and requires root canal therapy. In the final stage, an abscess forms at the root tip, which may necessitate extraction.
At Dentists at Thickwood, our goal is to detect decay in its earliest stages and prevent it from ever reaching the point of pain or infection. Contact us in Fort McMurray to schedule your checkup.
