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Imagine sitting in the dental chair. Maybe you are watching a video in front of or above you. Things are going along smoothly, and then you hear, “Looks like you have a cavity.” Perhaps you protest, “But doc, I haven’t had any pain in my teeth.” No pain, no cavity, though, is one of the many myths about them. They are natural and whether you get one when you are young or old, your Mansfield, TX, dentists can fill them and help prevent more in the future. For now, let’s get the lowdown on cavities.

What Are They And How Did They Get There?

When you eat, food can sometimes be left behind in your mouth, either between your teeth or in the crown ridges of your molars. If not removed, over time the bacteria builds up on the enamel, making acids that create holes in a tooth. That hole is a cavity. They sometimes start small, and you don’t feel any pain. However, as they get bigger, a tooth’s nerve gets annoyed and that is when you feel the ow, ow, ow of pain!

Who Gets Them?

Everyone is a target for cavities, that is why it is important to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Use toothpaste that has fluoride in it, and follow that up with flossing so that you can remove any food particles that the brush missed. You may be specifically susceptible to cavities if you

  • Eat and drink a lot of sugary or acidic foods and beverages
  • Have consistent dry mouth (saliva can help remove excess food particles) 
  • Have receding gums
  • Have plaque and tartar buildup in your mouth

So, How Do I Get Rid Of It?

Small cavities are treated by removing a tooth’s decayed part and replacing it with a filling. Different types are gold, silver amalgam (often used on molars) and glass ionomer, which is ideal for patients with multiple instances of tooth decay because it releases fluoride. We recommend composite resin fillings. With a mixture of quartz and plastic compounds, we can shade this type to look natural and to match the rest of your teeth.  

I’m Good, Thanks

You may be saying something different if you don’t treat a cavity quickly. For those who wait around, ignoring any pain they experience and the dentist, they could hear a couple of other phrases while sitting in the chair. Things like, “Looks like you need a root canal treatment,” or “I’m going to have to remove a tooth.”  

Check In With Us Regularly

We can help you stay on top of your oral health by treating and offering ways to prevent cavities. If you would like to schedule a consultation, then call Mansfield Dental Associates at 817-473-6227.