When it’s time to see the dentist, do you try to cram a year’s worth of hygiene into the last few days? While the last minute brushing may make you feel better, it can't take the place of good everyday habits. Pay attention to your teeth all year long and you’re much more likely to get a clean bill of dental health on your visit. And consistent oral care does more than just keep your dentist happy, it also helps prevent problems associated with tooth decay, or caries, also known as cavities.

Sugar, Sugar

Your parents warned you that too much sugar causes cavities, and it turns out they were right … sort of. More accurately, the bacteria in your mouth live off the sugars in your food and produce acids that slowly wear down the surfaces of your teeth, making them more prone to caries.

So yes, Mom and Dad, avoiding sugary foods is often helpful in preventing decay, but you can’t completely cut sugar out of your diet. That’s why it’s also important to decrease the amount of time that sugar sits on your teeth by brushing regularly. By giving those acids less time to weaken your teeth, you can ensure that you spend less time in the dental chair.

Cavity Search

At your regular appointment, your dentist or hygienist will examine your teeth for caries using a pick and mirror and/or dental X-ray. If caries are detected, they’ll recommend the appropriate treatment. However, in between appointments, you can also do your part by being on the lookout for signs of decay. Some of the common symptoms include:

- Chalky, white spot anywhere on your tooth
- Increased sensitivity to heat and cold
- Visible holes or indentions in teeth
- Toothache or pain when biting
- Discoloration or soft spots on tooth surface

Caring for Caries/Cavities

In its early stages, caries is sometimes reversible -- fluoride treatments may actually help rebuild the tooth enamel. However, in most cases, your dentist will need to remove the decayed material and replace it with a filling. Luckily, thanks to modern advances in dentistry, most dentists now use ceramic fillings that look and feel like natural teeth.

If the decay is extensive, or left untreated for long periods, it may require additional treatments as well. Crowns, root canals and in some cases extraction can stop caries in its tracks and spare you the discomfort of more serious dental problems down the road.

Remember, prevention is the most effective method for dealing with caries, so make sure to brush all year long and see your dentist regularly. If you think you may have early signs of caries, make an appointment right away. The sooner any possible problems are treated, the more easily your dental team can get your teeth back on track.

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