As the holiday season begins, you can expect your local stores to be stuffed to brim with sweets and candies galore. Don’t let temptation be the reason your oral health takes the back seat to your love for candy. Cavities affect not only children but adults as well. It is important to establish a healthy oral hygiene routine to lower your chances of developing tooth decay and cavities. As a well respected and experienced professional and restorative dentist Dr. Brent L. Blaylock suggests that patients practice preventive care at home to maintain a healthy, functional smile. Cavities are preventable if you take the necessary steps to keep your oral health on track.
How Do Cavities Develop
Your mouth is full of bacteria, which is normal. However, when the harmful bacteria in your mouth builds up, it turns into plaque. As you consume certain sugars and starches, an acid will develop that can be harmful to your tooth enamel. Once the acid reaches the tooth enamel, it begins to attack your enamel and break it down. If left untreated, you may develop a cavity. Once a cavity develops, only a skilled dentist like Dr. Blaylock will be able to treat your cavity and restore health back to your smile.
Some patients may not notice any symptoms of a cavity, whereas other patients might. Knowing the signs of a cavity may help you know when you should visit our Durham, NC dentist office.
Possible signs of a cavity:
- Toothaches
- Tooth sensitivity
- Halitosis
- Pain when chewing in a certain area
Treating Cavities
In order to talk about treatment, we must first mention prevention. Preventative dentistry is part of the foundation of our dental practice. Dr. Blaylock recommends patients visit his Durham dental office at least twice a year for preventive care visits. During a preventive care visit, Dr. Blaylock is able to address any dental concerns you may have, as well as perform a comprehensive exam of your mouth, teeth, and gums to check for any signs of serious dental conditions. We also perform a dental cleaning to thoroughly clean the teeth and get rid of any bacteria that regular brushing and flossing cannot reach.
Part of preventive care is developing and maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine at home. A proper oral hygiene routine includes: brushing your teeth at least twice a day, using an ADA approved fluoride mouthwash, and incorporating flossing into your routine.
If you do develop a cavity, Dr. Blaylock offers a range of general, restorative, and cosmetic services to restore health and beauty back to your smile. Dr. Blaylock will consider your specific needs and the severity of your cavity before he offers a treatment plan. He may suggest any range of this dental services to treat your cavity:
- Dental sealant
- Dental filling
- Root canal
Schedule a Visit
Treating cavities can be complicated depending on the severity but under the care of an experienced dentist, patients can get the treatment they need. Dr. Blaylock has over 30 years of experience in the dentistry field diagnosing and treating patients with an array of dental problems. Dr. Blaylock offers comprehensive, patient-focused dental care in the comfort of his Durham, NC dentist office. If you want to restore health and function back to your smile, contact our Durham, NC dentist office.