Both terms are used for different dental problems. Tooth decay and cavities are not the same, despite being sometimes mistaken for one another.

Tooth decay happens when acids made by microorganisms in your mouth break down sugar in your teeth. Eventually, a structural hole or hollow will lead if the mineral loss is not addressed. Cavities left untreated can worsen and potentially cause damage to the tooth.

Plaque acids can eat away at the dentin layer of the tooth. In addition, a root cavity exposes your nerves, causing pain when you drink or eat. If you feel pain in the area around your tooth's root, you most likely have dental decay and should make an appointment with your dentist.

At Martin Dental in Gilbert, AZ, we think that proper oral hygiene is crucial to general health and wellness, including preventing dental cavities. Understand these diseases and how your Gilbert affordable dentist can help.

Why Do I Get Tooth Decay & Cavities?

Sticky, sugary meals and drinks induce tooth decay. In addition, the formation of acid is facilitated by the use of sugar. This causes enamel deterioration. Remember that plaque and sugar are a horrible match that can cause oral misery.

If you don't brush your teeth within 20 minutes of having a sweet treat, they're already harmed. Here are a few red flags that your Gilbert, AZ dental, can point out:

1. Poor Oral Hygiene–We can't avoid eating and drinking because we need to survive. But we can brush our teeth routinely. They stay on the teeth till clean. The food particles on your teeth mean more chance of a cavity. Flossing should be part of your regimen to reach between your teeth.
2. Dry Mouth–A healthy mouth requires an average amount of saliva. Plaque builds up faster in a dry mouth with minimal saliva.
3. Bacteria and Acid–Bacteria naturally inhabit your mouth, despite popular belief. When they combine carbohydrates to generate an acid that erodes teeth, the issue arises.
4. Plaque Formation–Plaque is made of food particles, acid, saliva, and bacteria. It sticks to your teeth and accumulates.
5. Medical Problems–Acid from the stomach can cause tooth decay. Bulimia promotes acid and tooth decay exposure through frequent vomiting. Also, some cancer types employ radiation to encourage bacterial development, resulting in cavities.

Dental Decay and Cavity Signs and Symptoms

Cavity symptoms arise as tooth decay advances. See your Gilbert, AZ dentist right away if you observe any signs. The earlier you detect these indications, the easier and speedier the treatment is .

• Pressure - When biting down, increasing pain and dental sensitivity can signal a cavity.
• One of the earliest signs of a developing cavity is a toothache.
• If you develop pus, seek medical attention right once.
• Pits - A visible pit or hole in the injured tooth is a cavity warning indicator. Some holes are tougher to identify and may only be seen on a dental x-ray.

Get Help to Stop Decay and Cavities with Gilbert Affordable Dentist

Like your dentist told you on your first appointment, prevention is the optimal strategy to keep your teeth healthy and free of cavities.

To keep them healthy, establish a rigorous oral hygiene regimen. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to keep your charming grin for a long time.

It is easy to determine the extent of your decay or potential cavity. If you want to find out more, Contact Martin Dental for expert dental care. Alternatively, you can fill in the quick form for a fast response from the team. Please read what others have to say about our services.