Dental cavities are one of the most common health complaints in the UK every year. Millions of people each year need treatment for dental cavities of varying degrees of severity, but what exactly are cavities? What causes them and why do they require treatment?
Dental cavities are holes created in the protective layer of tooth enamel caused by erosion from plaque acid. The cavity allows plaque and bacteria access to the central part of the tooth that houses the more sensitive pulp and dental nerve. If these come under attack from bacteria and infection it can result in losing the tooth. City of Leeds dentists aim to treat these cavities before they get to this point either by filling the hole created with filling material (either composite bonding or more traditionally, silver amalgam). In more serious cases of cavities it may be necessary to cover the whole outside part of the tooth with a dental crown to offer a greater degree of protection.
How can you tell if you are suffering from a dental cavity? The main symptom of a dental cavity is pain. There are many different kinds of toothache that are associated with dental cavities. When the protective layer of enamel is breached or even just weakened eating or drinking hot and cold substances can cause a sensitivity of the teeth that is painful. More serious tooth pain is caused when the dental nerve has been exposed or when infection has caused a tooth abscess to develop. The dental nerve is a very sensitive area so any kind of exposure to bacteria, food or even air van cause painful agitation.
If you suspect that you are suffering from a dental cavity, the first thing you need to do is be examined and treated by a City of Leeds dentist. Effective treatment will usually bring an end to the pain and protect your teeth from further damage.
When plaque and bacteria attack the protective layer of tooth enamel that surrounds the tooth, they begin to erode it. This causes cavities, that eventually leads to tooth decay exposing the sensitive inner parts of the teeth, including the dental nerve, to infection. If an infection occurs in the tooth, the body will respond by producing an excess of white blood cells to combat the infection.
Of all the lifestyle choices we make that can be bad for our teeth, smoking is one of the most damaging. We all know about the wider health implications of smoking but few smokers are fully aware of the damage they may be doing to their teeth and gums.
There are many common dental emergencies caused by dental disease or dental trauma that can be of serious cause for concern. In times of dental trauma it is important to know what action you can take to increase your chances of successful treatment and reduce the pain you may be suffering. It is also important that you know how to get hold of a dentist even in unusual hours or circumstances.
Bad breath is an unpleasant and embarrassing dental condition and social problem. The worst thing about it is that it is very difficult to tell if you have bad breath without being told about it. There are a number of causes of bad breath including oral bacteria living on food trapped in between the teeth, digestion problems and also from gum disease.
