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Everything You Need to Know About Cavities

Posts Tagged ‘ cavities ’



Everything You Need to Know About Cavities

Posted on: August 21st, 2024 by admin

You might have experienced or heard of the common problem of dental cavities. But did you know that cavities can lead to more severe issues if left untreated? The American Dental Association reports that cavities are one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide. In the United States, approximately 91 percent of adults aged 20 to 64 have tooth decay, whereas many seniors have lost their natural teeth as a result of cavities. Even though anyone can get cavities, preventive care and early treatments can help keep your teeth healthy. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the causes, dangers, prevention, and treatment of cavities.

What causes cavities?

Cavities occur when specific bacteria in the mouth convert sugars and carbohydrates into acids, which erode the enamel – the protective outer layer of the tooth. Without timely repair, the attack will create holes or cavities in the tooth structure. The bacteria get energy from the food we consume, creating a sticky film called plaque that covers the teeth’ surfaces. Plaque accumulates in areas where we can’t brush effectively, such as between the teeth, and hardens over time to form tartar. Tartar acts as a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to a more aggressive attack on the tooth.

The dangers of untreated cavities

Left untreated, cavities can cause many problems. At the initial phase, cavities may cause sensitivity to heat and cold. However, as the decay continues, it can lead to toothaches that range from mild to severe. Severe pain may indicate that the decay has reached the tooth pulp, which contains nerve endings and blood vessels. If the decay penetrates the pulp, it can cause a painful abscess – a pus-filled infection at the root of the tooth. Additionally, abscesses can affect other parts of the body, spread to the jaw, cause fever, swelling, and fatigue. In extreme cases, untreated cavities can lead to tooth loss and bone damage.

Prevention of cavities

The good news is that with regular prevention and care, you can protect your teeth from cavities. The first defense is to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Dental flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from areas that your toothbrush can’t easily reach. Eating a healthy diet and reducing sugary snacks and drinks can also be effective in cavity prevention. Regular dental check-ups and cleaning can help identify, treat, and prevent cavities. Your dentist may recommend additional prevention treatments such as dental sealants, fluoride treatments, or antibacterial mouthwash.

Treatment of cavities

If your dentist diagnoses a cavity, the treatment depends on the severity of the decay. The most common treatment is filling the cavity with a composite resin material, which has a natural esthetic appearance. Then, your dentist will smooth and polish the filling to fit your bite perfectly. If the decay reaches the tooth’s pulp or nerve, your dentist may recommend a root canal procedure. A root canal aims to remove the tooth’s infected pulp and preserve the natural tooth structure. Only in extremely severe cases, when the damage is beyond repair, your dentist may suggest tooth extraction and implant surgery.

Cavities are widespread dental problems that can lead to severe issues if left untreated. However, cavities are preventable with proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. It’s essential to brush twice a day, floss daily, maintain a healthy diet, and limit sugary snacks and drinks. If you suspect a cavity or experience tooth sensitivity or pain, don’t wait too long before seeing your dentist. Early diagnosis and treatment can help preserve your natural teeth and avoid more extensive and costly treatments. Remember, your oral health can impact your overall health, and taking care of your teeth should be a top priority.

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These 5 oral health problems are more common than you think

Posted on: January 17th, 2024 by admin

We all have mouths – life would be hard without one – and we all need to take care of them. The thing about oral health is that it’s a diverse area. Some dental problems are minor and some can be simply devastating. What sort of problems? Read along as we count down the five most common dental problems in America and to see just what is making people (and their teeth) suffer out there:

lion-teeth-pexels-photo-684215) Mouth Sores

There are many different types of mouth sores. Among the most common are canker sores, fever blisters, cold sores and ulcers. All of them can be terribly bothersome. The good news is, most mouth sores are never much more than a nuisance. They go away after a few weeks at most. Once in a while one can point to a bigger problem, so if a mouth sore lasts for more than two weeks be sure to see your dentist near Manahawkin. However, in most cases these are pretty low on the priority list of oral health problems to be concerned about.

4) Oral Cancer

Many other types of cancer get a lot more spotlight, but the truth is, some 300,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. In fact, at any given time millions are affected by it. Like all types of cancer, it can be deadly if left untreated. It can also lead to severe damage to the mouth, lips and throat. The good news is that oral cancer is highly treatable if caught early – and the best way to catch it early is with regular visits to your dentist.

3) Gum Disease

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is when your gums become infected. This can start with simple gingivitis, but when gum disease progresses it can lead to tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is cited as the biggest cause of tooth loss among adults in America. The best way to combat this malady is by following the daily oral health routine suggested by your dentist near Manahawkin.

2) Cavities

Cavities, also known as tooth decay, is not just one of the most common oral health problems in the country, it’s actually one of the most common health problems overall, affecting about as many people as the common cold. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and watching what you eat are your best defenses against this common problem. Tooth decay is caused when plaque buildup and sugars combine to eat away at your tooth enamel and the teeth themselves. This is a problem where prevention is the best approach, because once it progresses too far there is no reversing it. It will take major dentistry to fix the issue.

1) Bad Breath

There is no oral health problem more common than bad breath, also known as halitosis. Bad breath can be caused by many things, but in the majority of cases – more than 4 out of 5 cases, in fact – a simple dental condition is to blame. They can include dry mouth, cavities, gum disease, bacteria on the tongue and others. All of these can all be causes of bad breath. If you have persistent bad breath, you should visit your dental office, because mouth wash only covers the problem, it doesn’t cure it.

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These symptoms means it’s time to see a dentist!

Posted on: January 12th, 2022 by admin

If you’re like most people, you’ll invent a host of reasons to avoid seeing your dentist. Don’t worry, we’re not insulted. We’re used to it by now!

But the fact of the matter is, if you begin to experience one of these five conditions, you really need to see your dentist as soon as possible. It may help you avoid a lot of misery down the road!

Toothache

A toothache is nothing to take lightly. The pain you’re experiencing is a sign that something is wrong. You may feel as if you can tolerate the pain or that you can “tough it out,” but letting a toothache go unaddressed is asking for trouble. Whatever the cause of your pain, your condition could worsen. In a worst case scenario, you could even end up losing the tooth. Better to address it early, when there’s a good possibility the issue can be fixed with minimal fuss.

Chronic Bad Breath

Everyone gets bad breath every now and then. It’s common and can be easily triggered by the things we eat. A normal bout of bad breath is nothing to worry about. Chronic bad breath, on the other hand, is a sign of deeper problems that must be addressed. It may be “only” as serious as gum disease, which you’ll want to catch early to begin treatment. It can also be a sign of more serious issues than that. If you suffer from chronic bad breath, it’s important to have your dentist take a look as soon as possible so serious problems can be treated early.

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Cracked or Chipped Teeth

One of the most common problems any dentist in Ocean County, NJ near Forked River will deal with are cracked and chipped teeth. The good news is that modern cosmetic dentistry is effective and affordable, with many options available to you. The bad news is, left unaddressed, some issues like this become more than a cosmetic issue. Cracked teeth can cause persistent pain and can lead to serious infections that may put your other teeth in danger, too. Even if you don’t mind how they look, at the very least you should have your dentist examine them to be sure your teeth are in no danger of future issues.

Jaw Pain

Pain in the jaw can come from a number of courses, including toothaches, sinus infections, and more. If you are feeling persistent jaw pain, have it examined by your Ocean County, NJ dentist near Manahawkin to determine the source of the problem. As with anything, the key to avoiding serious issues is to catch them early.

Bleeding Gums

If you experience bleeding gums during/after brushing, there may be an issue that needs addressing. In many cases bleeding gums are merely caused by improper brushing techniques. That is easy to fix. In other cases, however, they may be a sign of gingivitis or other underlying issues. As with all such issues, catching them early gives you the best chance of avoiding more serious complications.

If you experience any of these conditions and live in Barnegat, Forked River / Lacey, Manahawkin, or other areas of Southern Ocean County, call to make an appointment today!

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5 dental problems more common than you realize

Posted on: December 29th, 2021 by admin

We all have mouths – life would be hard without one – and we all need to take care of them. The thing about oral health is that it’s a diverse area. Some dental problems are minor and some can be simply devastating. What sort of problems? Read along as we count down the five most common dental problems in America and to see just what is making people (and their teeth) suffer out there:

lion-teeth-pexels-photo-684215) Mouth Sores

There are many different types of mouth sores. Among the most common are canker sores, fever blisters, cold sores and ulcers. All of them can be terribly bothersome. The good news is, most mouth sores are never much more than a nuisance. They go away after a few weeks at most. Once in a while one can point to a bigger problem, so if a mouth sore lasts for more than two weeks be sure to see your dentist near Manahawkin. However, in most cases these are pretty low on the priority list of oral health problems to be concerned about.

4) Oral Cancer

Many other types of cancer get a lot more spotlight, but the truth is, some 300,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. In fact, at any given time millions are affected by it. Like all types of cancer, it can be deadly if left untreated. It can also lead to severe damage to the mouth, lips and throat. The good news is that oral cancer is highly treatable if caught early – and the best way to catch it early is with regular visits to your dentist.

3) Gum Disease

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is when your gums become infected. This can start with simple gingivitis, but when gum disease progresses it can lead to tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is cited as the biggest cause of tooth loss among adults in America. The best way to combat this malady is by following the daily oral health routine suggested by your dentist near Manahawkin.

2) Cavities

Cavities, also known as tooth decay, is not just one of the most common oral health problems in the country, it’s actually one of the most common health problems overall, affecting about as many people as the common cold. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and watching what you eat are your best defenses against this common problem. Tooth decay is caused when plaque buildup and sugars combine to eat away at your tooth enamel and the teeth themselves. This is a problem where prevention is the best approach, because once it progresses too far there is no reversing it. It will take major dentistry to fix the issue.

1) Bad Breath

There is no oral health problem more common than bad breath, also known as halitosis. Bad breath can be caused by many things, but in the majority of cases – more than 4 out of 5 cases, in fact – a simple dental condition is to blame. They can include dry mouth, cavities, gum disease, bacteria on the tongue and others. All of these can all be causes of bad breath. If you have persistent bad breath, you should visit your dental office, because mouth wash only covers the problem, it doesn’t cure it.

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No Need To Be Embarrassed About These 5 Common Dental Problems

Posted on: April 27th, 2020 by admin

Dental problems. Many of us are embarrassed by the dental problems we have, but the truth is that just about everyone has some sort of dental malady or another. It’s not unusual, and therefore is nothing to be embarrassed about – as long as you’re getting it treated by your local dentist, that is! Here are five of the most common:

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-chimpanzee-smiling-50582/

1) Bad Breath

If you have bad breath, you are not alone. The truth is, there is no larger oral health problem than bad breath, also called halitosis. In 4 out of 5 cases, a dental condition is to blame. This can be dry mouth, having cavities, gum disease, bacteria on your tongue and other factors.

2) Mouth Sores

If you have them, don’t worry. Lots of people do. They come in many varieties, too.  Canker sores, cold sores, fever blisters, ulcers, and more among the most common. They can be really bothersome! Thankfully, they are rarely anything more than a nuisance. They often go away after a few weeks. Once in a while one of them can point to a bigger problem. If you have a mouth sore that lasts for more than two weeks, see your Ocean County dentist!

3) Cavities

The scourge of tooth decay is one of the most common oral health problems in America, and in fact it’s one of the most common medical problems of all. Cavities hit almost as many Americans as the common cold. If you brush twice a day, however, and remember to floss, watch what you eat , and more, you’ll enjoy the best defense – which is prevention!

4) Gum Disease

Technically this is known as periodontal disease. Gum disease happens when the gums surrounding your pearly whites become infected. This usually begins with gingivitis. After a while it progresses and may lead to tooth loss. Gum disease is actually the most common reason for tooth loss among adults

5) Oral Cancer

Oral cancer doesn’t get the attention other cancers do, so you might be surprised to learn that there are 300,000 new cases of oral cancer diagnosed each year. At any time, millions of Americans may have oral cancer. As with any cancer, it can be a deadly problem if left untreated, but thankfully it’s also very treatable, especially if caught early. That’s a good reason to see your dentist regularly!

We’re sure almost everyone reading this has suffered from at least one of these at one time or another. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Just be sure to see your dentist near Manahawkin regularly so small problems don’t become big ones!

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Don’t Be Embarrassed About These 5 Common Dental Problems

Posted on: April 17th, 2019 by admin

Dental problems. Many of us are embarrassed by the dental problems we have, but the truth is that just about everyone has some sort of dental malady or another. It’s not unusual, and therefore is nothing to be embarrassed about – as long as you’re getting it treated by your local dentist, that is! Here are five of the most common:

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-photo-of-brown-monkey-2213575/

1) Bad Breath

If you have bad breath, you are not alone. The truth is, there is no larger oral health problem than bad breath, also called halitosis. In 4 out of 5 cases, a dental condition is to blame. This can be dry mouth, having cavities, gum disease, bacteria on your tongue and other factors.

2) Mouth Sores

If you have them, don’t worry. Lots of people do. They come in many varieties, too.  Canker sores, cold sores, fever blisters, ulcers, and more among the most common. They can be really bothersome! Thankfully, they are rarely anything more than a nuisance. They often go away after a few weeks. Once in a while one of them can point to a bigger problem. If you have a mouth sore that lasts for more than two weeks, see your Ocean County dentist!

3) Cavities

The scourge of tooth decay is one of the most common oral health problems in America, and in fact it’s one of the most common medical problems of all. Cavities hit almost as many Americans as the common cold. If you brush twice a day, however, and remember to floss, watch what you eat , and more, you’ll enjoy the best defense – which is prevention!

4) Gum Disease

Technically this is known as periodontal disease. Gum disease happens when the gums surrounding your pearly whites become infected. This usually begins with gingivitis. After a while it progresses and may lead to tooth loss. Gum disease is actually the most common reason for tooth loss among adults

5) Oral Cancer

Oral cancer doesn’t get the attention other cancers do, so you might be surprised to learn that there are 300,000 new cases of oral cancer diagnosed each year. At any time, millions of Americans may have oral cancer. As with any cancer, it can be a deadly problem if left untreated, but thankfully it’s also very treatable, especially if caught early. That’s a good reason to see your dentist regularly!

We’re sure almost everyone reading this has suffered from at least one of these at one time or another. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Just be sure to see your dentist near Manahawkin regularly so small problems don’t become big ones!

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5 Common Dental Problems Many People Have

Posted on: December 26th, 2018 by admin No Comments

We all have mouths – life would be hard without one – and we all need to take care of them. The thing about oral health is that it’s a diverse area. Some dental problems are minor and some can be simply devastating. What sort of problems? Read along as we count down the five most common dental problems in America and to see just what is making people (and their teeth) suffer out there:

lion-teeth-pexels-photo-684215) Mouth Sores

There are many different types of mouth sores. Among the most common are canker sores, fever blisters, cold sores and ulcers. All of them can be terribly bothersome. The good news is, most mouth sores are never much more than a nuisance. They go away after a few weeks at most. Once in a while one can point to a bigger problem, so if a mouth sore lasts for more than two weeks be sure to see your dentist near Manahawkin. However, in most cases these are pretty low on the priority list of oral health problems to be concerned about.

4) Oral Cancer

Many other types of cancer get a lot more spotlight, but the truth is, some 300,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. In fact, at any given time millions are affected by it. Like all types of cancer, it can be deadly if left untreated. It can also lead to severe damage to the mouth, lips and throat. The good news is that oral cancer is highly treatable if caught early – and the best way to catch it early is with regular visits to your dentist.

3) Gum Disease

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is when your gums become infected. This can start with simple gingivitis, but when gum disease progresses it can lead to tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is cited as the biggest cause of tooth loss among adults in America. The best way to combat this malady is by following the daily oral health routine suggested by your dentist near Manahawkin.

2) Cavities

Cavities, also known as tooth decay, is not just one of the most common oral health problems in the country, it’s actually one of the most common health problems overall, affecting about as many people as the common cold. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and watching what you eat are your best defenses against this common problem. Tooth decay is caused when plaque buildup and sugars combine to eat away at your tooth enamel and the teeth themselves. This is a problem where prevention is the best approach, because once it progresses too far there is no reversing it. It will take major dentistry to fix the issue.

1) Bad Breath

There is no oral health problem more common than bad breath, also known as halitosis. Bad breath can be caused by many things, but in the majority of cases – more than 4 out of 5 cases, in fact – a simple dental condition is to blame. They can include dry mouth, cavities, gum disease, bacteria on the tongue and others. All of these can all be causes of bad breath. If you have persistent bad breath, you should visit your dental office, because mouth wash only covers the problem, it doesn’t cure it.

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The 6 Most Common Procedures Done By Your Dentist

Posted on: April 26th, 2018 by admin No Comments

Over the years, your Barnegat dentist has done and seen it all. You name the procedure and they have probably done it. There are, however, a few that stand out as far more common than others. Here are the 6 procedures we find ourselves doing more than any other:

1) Fillings

One of the most common dental procedures is also one of the easiest: getting fillings. This is nothing more than using restorative materials to repair damage to your teeth, usually cavities. In addition to filling holes left by tooth decay, aka cavities, these materials might be used to repair chipping, cracks, and other tooth damage. The resins used are colored to match your teeth, giving you a natural look that blends in seamlessly with your existing teeth.

2) Caps or Crowns

Dental crowns or caps are covers usually made of porcelain that go over or around existing teeth. These procedures are usually performed to help repair the appearance of broken or cracked teeth. These crowns not only improve the appearance of teeth that have been chipped in accidents and other events, they also help strengthen what is left of the teeth.

fun-cold-elegance-face-41208

3) Tooth Whitening

More common than ever these days, the professional tooth whitening offered by your dentist in Ocean County is a cut about over-the-counter solutions. Using one of several types of treatments, your teeth can be whitened by several shades, reversing the damage done by years of coffee drinking, juice, smoking, and other ways to stain your teeth. Even better? The procedure is fast, easy and affordable.

4) Bridges and Implants

When teeth are missing or removed, it’s usually a good idea to replace them in some way. This is not just for the sake of appearance, but to protect your gums and to make eating easier. One of the most common ways of doing this is with a bridge, sometimes called dentures. These are false teeth with crowns used to fill in gaps in your mouth. Another is through the use of implants, metal posts that are placed in your mouth to serve as anchors for false teeth. In both cases, technology used by dentists near Manahawkin has come so far that you’ll never notice the difference.

5) Root Canals

Also known as Endodontics, root canals are a procedure often talked about with fear, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Modern advances in how these procedures are done have made them far less uncomfortable than in the past. Root canals are the removal of the pulpy, thread-like tissue in the center of the tooth. This is done when decay had advanced far enough so that it might cause infection inside the tooth. Root canals can save teeth from being extracted, but more importantly, they can prevent the formation of abscesses, buildups of pus that can destroy tissue and cause extreme pain – and sometimes worse.

6) Extractions

This one is pretty self-explanatory. An extraction is when a tooth is removed. These procedures may be done for a myriad of reasons, whether the tooth is damaged, decay has progressed too far, unwanted extra teeth are coming in, and more. In most cases, extractions are relatively easy procedures that any experienced dentist near Forked River can perform.

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5 Common Dental Problems Almost Everyone Has

Posted on: April 20th, 2018 by admin No Comments

Dental problems. Many of us are embarrassed by the dental problems we have, but the truth is that just about everyone has some sort of dental malady or another. It’s not unusual, and therefore is nothing to be embarrassed about – as long as you’re getting it treated by your local dentist, that is! Here are five of the most common:

woman-covered-mouth-pexels-photo-6989281) Bad Breath

If you have bad breath, you are not alone. The truth is, there is no larger oral health problem than bad breath, also called halitosis. In 4 out of 5 cases, a dental condition is to blame. This can be dry mouth, having cavities, gum disease, bacteria on your tongue and other factors.

2) Mouth Sores

If you have them, don’t worry. Lots of people do. They come in many varieties, too.  Canker sores, cold sores, fever blisters, ulcers, and more among the most common. They can be really bothersome! Thankfully, they are rarely anything more than a nuisance. They often go away after a few weeks. Once in a while one of them can point to a bigger problem. If you have a mouth sore that lasts for more than two weeks, see your Ocean County dentist!

3) Cavities

The scourge of tooth decay is one of the most common oral health problems in America, and in fact it’s one of the most common medical problems of all. Cavities hit almost as many Americans as the common cold. If you brush twice a day, however, and remember to floss, watch what you eat , and more, you’ll enjoy the best defense – which is prevention!

4) Gum Disease

Technically this is known as periodontal disease. Gum disease happens when the gums surrounding your pearly whites become infected. This usually begins with gingivitis. After a while it progresses and may lead to tooth loss. Gum disease is actually the most common reason for tooth loss among adults

5) Oral Cancer

Oral cancer doesn’t get the attention other cancers do, so you might be surprised to learn that there are 300,000 new cases of oral cancer diagnosed each year. At any time, millions of Americans may have oral cancer. As with any cancer, it can be a deadly problem if left untreated, but thankfully it’s also very treatable, especially if caught early. That’s a good reason to see your dentist regularly!

We’re sure almost everyone reading this has suffered from at least one of these at one time or another. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Just be sure to see your dentist near Manahawkin regularly so small problems don’t become big ones!

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Posted in Dentistry / Dental | No Comments »