Do you have a toothache that just won’t go away? Do you have tooth pain when brushing or eating?
Cavities are the most common dental health concern that will affect nearly every patient to some degree. A mostly preventable condition, tooth decay remains prevalent amongst children and adult patients. Poor oral hygiene is the most common culprit of tooth decay- biannual dental checkups and twice-daily brushing and flossing can prevent cavities.
Owings Mills, MD family, and general dentists at our practice focus on preventive dental care for the long-term maintenance and care of patients’ natural smiles. Our dental care team encourages patients to visit the dentist once every six months for an oral health exam and professional teeth cleaning to help prevent cavity development. Our dental professionals can offer personalized advice such as proper brushing techniques and flossing tips to best maintain your smile in between your biannual dental checkups.
Treatment for Tooth Decay
Treatment for tooth decay will depend on the stage of development and on how much of the tooth structure is affected. Your dentist will conduct a thorough oral health exam to determine the appropriate treatment to restore the patient’s optimal oral health. There is a range of treatment options for tooth decay:
Tooth Decay in Children
By first grade, a staggering number of children have already developed tooth decay. Early life visits to the dentist office and a good oral hygiene routine can help protect your child’s teeth from disease and dental health problems later on in life. Our Owings Mill, MD dental care team recommends bringing your children to the dentist by the age of 1, or at the sight of their first tooth.
Preventing tooth decay in children, and adults, includes oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist, but it also requires healthy daily habits and a healthy diet. Avoiding beverages and foods high in sugar or starch can also help reduce the development of tooth decay. Try to monitor and limit your family’s daily sugar intake. When it is time for a special sweet treat, encourage your family to brush after.
Your doctor may recommend the use of sealants for children who are more susceptible to tooth decay. With a clear coating, sealants can prevent decay from developing in hard to brush areas of the teeth. The sealant treatment is non-invasive and patients experience little to no discomfort.
Schedule Your Family’s Routine Visit
Our team of family dentists provide comprehensive and personalized dental care for patients in all stages of oral health. We offer tailored treatment options for the needs of children and teen patients. Our family dentist office offers the convenience of being able to bring your whole family to one dentist office for quality, modern dental care.
Contact Owings Mills Dental Care at 410-782-3021 or request an appointment online today. Our dental care team provides compassionate, modern, preventative dentistry in a welcoming environment. We welcome new patients from Owings Mills, Pikesville, Reisterstown, Randallstown, Windsor Mill, Woodlawn, and surrounding Northern Baltimore communities.
Tooth Cavities FAQs
What happens if I don’t get a cavity treated?
The longer you let tooth decay go, the worse the problem gets. The decay can get into the tooth root, causing infection in the dental pulp and creating the need for a root canal. If tooth decay is left alone long enough, you may lose the entire tooth.
Is having cavities normal?
Over 90% of adults have experienced a cavity in their teeth. These adults on average have had around three cavities. Cavities are a common thing in children as well because of the sugary snacks children tend to love.
Does having a cavity in one tooth impact the rest of my teeth?
While cavities can’t spread to other teeth, the conditions that create one cavity in the mouth can definitely create other cavities. If your cavity goes untreated, it can turn into an infection, which can then spread to other teeth in the mouth.