Did you know cavities is the # 1 condition that has your children missing out on school? The majority of individuals have had dental caries at some point in their lives. There are several reasons for development of dental caries. The most obvious one is not brushing and flossing properly. Other reasons are poor diet and not visting your dentist on a regular basis. Why do we get dental caries? Are dental cavities contagious? How can I prevent tooth decayor cavities? Get the answers to all of these questions in this presentation.
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Did you know
• Did you know cavities is the #1 disease that
has children missing school? Most people
have had cavities at some point in their
lives. The reason for the occurrence of
cavities is not at all that mysterious.
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Not brushing and flossing
• Not brushing and flossing your teeth are the
primary reasons why you get it. Not going to
the dentist every six months is another.
Oftentimes, individuals do not give much
importance to visiting their dentists.
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Eating sugary snacks
• Another reason is eating sugary snacks and
drinking sugary sodas. It’s best to get well
informed than suffer the consequences
later..
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Question One
• Q: Does tooth decay and tooth cavity mean
the same thing?
A: Most people use the word tooth decay and
tooth cavity interchangeably, but in reality they are
one and the same. Tooth decay is really a process
that results to tooth cavity.
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Tooth decay is the gradual damaging
• Tooth decay is the gradual damaging of the
teeth caused by bacterial acids as they eat
the food debris and plaque on the teeth.
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As the enamel get damaged
• As the enamel get damaged (eaten away by
bacteria), it creates an opening or a hole in
the tooth surface which in turn is called
cavity. This hole or cavity starts quite small
that is not even seen by naked eye and little
by little keeps getting bigger.
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Question Two
• Q: How can I detect if I developed a cavity?
A: If a cavity is small, you can’t tell you have it.
There is also no pain associated with cavities
until they have become very deep. Dental X-
rays can detect them
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Regular dental checkups
• That’s why it is recommended to have your
regular dental checkups. Your dental care
provider can also measure the extent of the
damage (how big the cavity is by the use of
X-rays. During your dental check up, your
dentist inspects your teeth for the signs of
any cavity development.
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Seen with the naked eye
• If the cavities have become bigger, they can
be seen with the naked eye. They usually
appear as a black spot or hole in your tooth.
Sensitivity and toothache are also reliable
signs, but at this point the cavity is probably
very large.
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Question Three
• Q: When is the best time to treat dental
cavities?
A: The best time is when they are small,
before they cause any more damage and
destroy more of the tooth structure.
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Question Four
• Q: How is dental cavity treated?
A: Your dentist will examine the extent of the
damage. The size of the cavity determines
what treatment is suited for it. Most are
treated with fillings.
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Destroyed more of the tooth structure
• Sometime if the cavity has become bigger
and destroyed more of the tooth structure,
an inlay or an onlay maybe recommended.
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Tooth structure has weakened
• If the damage has been extended where the
tooth structure has weakened to the point
of near fracture or has actually fractured, a
dental crown is recommended.
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If it is extensive and has reached the nerve
• When the cavity is too extensive and has
reached the nerve, then a root canal is
needed.
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Question Five
• Q: Are there any ways you can prevent
cavities?
A: Aside from a good oral hygiene which
means a good home care, brushing 2-3
times per day and flossing once per day.
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Getting your teeth professionally cleaned
• Getting your teeth professionally cleaned
by your dentist or dental hygienist, dental
sealants are a great way to protect teeth.
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Well-balanced diet
• But it can be done at any time and at any
age, as long as the teeth are cavity free
and don’t have fillings on them. Also you
should have a well-balanced diet. Avoid
sugary foods and drinks as much as
possible.
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Question Six
• Q: Are cavities contagious?
A: According to studies, the bacteria that cause
cavities can be transmitted from one person to
another. Click here to read more about this.
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If you have any more questions
• If you have any more questions about
dental cavities, we will be happy to answer
them for you. If you need a dental check up
to keep your teeth in perfect condition,
please call us for an appointment
The St James Dental Group