A Brief Look at Cavities and Your Smile

Your smile and the quest to keep it healthy are both dynamic. What your smile needs and threats that it faces can change from one day to the next. However, for most patients in North Hollywood, the most common of those threats is tooth decay – the condition that causes cavities to form in your teeth. The good news is that, despite being common and potentially hazardous to your smile, cavities don’t have to become a significant threat. With the right dental health care and maintenance, and a good understanding of how cavities develop, you have an excellent chance at protecting your smile from them.

A Constant Struggle

What makes cavities such a common threat is the fact their main cause – oral bacteria – is a natural part of your oral health. Every day, hundreds of bacteria combine with food particles and saliva to form plaque, which clings to your tooth enamel. Certain types of bacteria release acids that weaken this enamel until the bacteria can reach your tooth structure. Once bacteria-induced decay sets in, the hole in your tooth, or cavity, will continue to grow until you treat it.

What You Don’t See at First

When a cavity forms, the discomfort in your tooth can become an obvious symptom of its presence. However, before your tooth starts to hurt severely, there are many other signs that could indicate tooth decay. For example, during your regular dental checkup and cleaning, your dentist can spot signs that your tooth enamel has grown weak or that a small part of your tooth has begun to decay.

How to Conquer Cavities

The best way to conquer cavities is to prevent them with consistently good hygiene and regular preventive dental care. However, if one develops, then the next best thing is to treat it as soon as possible, preferably with a custom-designed tooth-colored filling. Made from composite resin, the filling can be tinted to match your tooth’s appearance while successfully restoring the affected tooth structure and protecting it from bacteria in the future.

Successfully Protect Your Smile from Cavities

Cavities can become a significant threat if they’re ignored long enough, but you can protect your smile from them successfully with good hygiene and diligent dental care. For more information, schedule a consultation by calling Modern Smile in North Hollywood, CA, today at 818-763-9353. We also proudly serve patients who live in Burbank, Toluca Lake, and all surrounding communities.