According to Health Canada’s Canadian Health Measures Survey, 57% of children, 59% of teens, and 96% of adults have or have had a cavity. Leading to tooth decay and other issues later on in life, cavities should be identified and taken care of as soon as possible. The only trouble is that having cavity work done can be scary for children. With that in mind we provide frequently asked questions about cavities below in the hopes that you can use it to explain everything there is to know about cavities as well as why it is important to go to your Ottawa dental clinic.
What Are Cavities?
A cavity is the hole that remains when part of your tooth decays. Cavities happen naturally when the things we eat cause plaque to develop on our teeth. Plaque creates the holes and causes damage to our teeth.
Why Get Rid Of Cavities?
Cavities can hurt if you don’t take care of them. The hole can get bigger and deeper if you don’t have them looked at. The last thing anyone wants is to have to remove the tooth. Going in to have your cavity treated by a dentist stops the damage and removes the pain.
How Do I Stop Cavities From Developing?
Cavities occur when plaque gets on our teeth. Plaque occurs when we do not brush our teeth. Healthy snacks are a great way to protect your teeth. Candy and sugary sodas can cause a lot of plaque. Brush your teeth after every meal and floss once a day to keep your teeth strong and healthy. By visiting the dentist every six months, they can check as well and make sure your mouth is happy and healthy.
What Do I Do If I Have a Cavity?
You are not alone. Millions of kids get cavities every year. Toothaches can be a sign of a cavity and scheduling a dentist appointment is crucial. X-rays of the teeth will be taken to see if there are cavities. If you do in fact have a cavity, then the dentist can clean it out and fill it in with a special material that stops the decay. It is called filling.
The best way for you to stop cavities is through healthy dental habits. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. Go to your dentist if you have any tooth pain to learn whether or not it is a cavity.
