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The Four Most Common Cavity Misconceptions

by | Jul 14, 2016 | Healthy Teeth |

What You Really Need to Know About Cavities

Oral health is of the utmost importance to maintain, and the failure to do so can have serious consequences that will lead to other medical concerns. One of the most common oral health issues is the ordinary cavity. In fact, over 92% of adults ages 20 to 64 have cavities that were either treated as children or have developed as adults. Seeing that this is a common condition, many misconceptions exist pertaining to it–most of which are dangerous and exacerbate the problem.

Only Sugar Causes Cavities

The world has heard it all before: Stay away from candy, soda, and cake or they will rot your teeth. While everything in moderation is perfectly fine, mention must be made that refined sugar is not the only culprit in the act of causing cavities. Carbohydrates, including the ones found in bread, pasta, and fruit, cause cavities to escalate in severity, but the main cause of the problem is bacteria that is already present in the mouth. Foods with high acid contents aggravate cavities, too.

Cavities Demonstrate Warning Signs Before They Appear

Most believe that mild pain is the sign of an impending cavity, and that a simple trip to the dentist will prevent it from developing entirely. Unfortunately, pain, swelling, or sensitivity are signs that a cavity is already there–contacting your dentist for a filling is necessary.

Pain Relievers Help

While over the counter remedies assist in abating the pain before you schedule your trip to the dentist, they do not prevent cavities nor heal them. In fact, certain components found in aspirin can cause the gums around the area to burn–ultimately causing a potentially fatal abscess. A trip to the dentist is the only effective way to be rid of an aching cavity.

Sensitivity Equates to the Condition

Though it is a common sign of tooth decay, experiencing tooth sensitivity does not necessarily mean that you have a cavity. In fact, experiencing a sting of pain when drinking cold or hot liquids could be a sign of hypersensitivity from a chipped tooth where the root is exposed; it could also be a sign that you are in need of a root canal.To finalize, knowledge of oral health and common conditions, like cavities, is important to retain to ensure your overall health. If you have any questions pertaining to cavities, their misconceptions, or what is really causing your pain, it is crucial to contact your dentist as soon as possible.