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Cavities: Answers to All of Your Whys!

Easy Prevention and Fixes.

Cavities: What You Should Know

The chances are that you might have experienced a cavity or two in your life, but why? That’s the question that many ask. I brush my teeth; I floss, why in the world am I getting cavities? In our short article, we’ll answer your “whys.”

While cavities aren’t the worst thing, they sure can be a nuisance. Your oral health plays a huge role in your overall health, so we feel that it’s essential to help you learn WHY preventing cavities is important. Keep reading to see what tips we have to offer that might be helpful for you.

Fixing cavities in adults and children: How to prevent them

Almost everyone (more than 90% of people in North America) suffers from dental cavities (decay), including children. The reason we get cavities is that our oral cavity has a number of bacteria – and much of it is an inflammation starter.

But some bacteria convert the sugar into acid, which then attacks the tooth structure, leading to cavities. The terrible thing about cavities is that discomfort isn’t experienced until the decay has progressed to the nerve. At this point, it is usually too late to place a filling and tooth needs a root canal. A damaged tooth cannot be regenerated, only repaired. Thus, regular dental exams are necessary. The earlier your Lincoln dentist can discover a cavity or cavities, the quicker and easier it is to treat them, which means you’ll likely be able to avoid a root canal.

Excellent Solutions for Cavity Prevention

Dr. Ben Joekel with a patient discussing cavities and cavity prevention.

Schedule regular dental exams to detect caries early so the problem can be fixed.

Caries can progress very rapidly and what could of fix with a simple filling may progress to needing more expensive and extensive treatment such as a root canal.

Don’t wait to come in until you have severe discomfort!

A small, simple cavity usually doesn’t cause any discomfort. If a tooth starts hurting, there is probably a more severe problem that will require more than just a filling.

Brush twice a day.

Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine can help prevent cavities by effectively removing plaque and bacteria, as well as reducing the acids that can erode tooth enamel. All of these factors can contribute to adverse effects within the oral cavity, ultimately leading to the development of cavities and bad breath.

Floss regularly.

Flossing regularly is an essential part of a good oral hygiene routine that can help prevent cavities. It effectively removes food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gum line, areas that a toothbrush may not reach – even with good brushing. By eliminating these harmful substances, flossing reduces the potential for bacterial growth and plaque accumulation, which can ultimately lead to cavities and even gum disease. Incorporating regular flossing into your routine promotes good overall oral health and helps maintain a healthy smile.

Rinse with a mouthwash approved by the American Dental Association (ADA®).

Rinsing with a mouthwash approved by the ADA® is an effective way to enhance your oral care routine. These particular mouthwashes help reduce plaque, fight bad breath, and kill harmful bacteria, thus providing extra protection against cavities and even gum disease. Using ADA-approved mouthwash daily supports a healthier smile and is an excellent addition to your brushing and flossing routine.

Use sugarless gum after meals.

Sugarless gum has Xylitol which can reduce bacterial load and stimulate salivary flow, which, in turn, helps to eliminate bacterial load as well.

Eat plenty of calcium-rich foods, such low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese.

Calcium-rich foods such as yogurt, cheese, and even milk are essential for strong bones and teeth, which can help maintain overall dental health and prevent decay.

Do not drink soda-soda has a lot of acid that will eventually lead to tooth structure loss.

Avoid soda, as its high acidity can lead to tooth structure loss over time

Commonly Asked Questions About Cavities

Dr. Jodi Day with at patient helping them better understand preventing cavities. Good oral hygiene is key to cavity prevention.

What kills the bacteria that causes cavities?

Good oral hygiene such as brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using an ADA™ approved mouthwash will help kill the bacteria that causes cavities and bad breath. In addition, be sure to have routine dental cleaning and exams. Seeing your Lincoln dentist two times a year will help ensure good oral health and will allow them to catch any potential problems early.

Will insurance cover a cavity filling?

The short answer is, yes, most dental insurance companies do cover fillings to fix a cavity. It is important to know, however, that some insurance plans only cover a certain types of fillings such as silver fillings, for example. So, if your dentist only places white, tooth-colored fillings, but your dental insurance only covers silver fillings, they will still pay for a portion of the filling, but ultimately your out-of-pocket expense will be slightly more.

How much does it cost to fill a cavity in Lincoln, NE?

The cost to fill a cavity all depends upon the type of material used and, of course, whether or not you have dental insurance. On average you can expect a filling to cost anywhere from $50 to $300 per tooth. It’s also important to note that the cost of filling a cavity also depends upon the size of the cavity. The larger the cavity, the more it costs to fill it. Amalgam fillings are generally the least expensive while porcelain and gold fillings are some of the most expensive.

At what stage does a cavity hurt?

Unfortunately, a cavity typically doen’t hurt until it reaches the nerve of a tooth. At that point, a filling is unlikely to fix the problem and more extensive dental work, such as a root canal, will likely be necessary. This reinforces the importance of good oral hygiene at home along seeing your dentist in Lincoln, NE twice per year.