Know How To Prevent & Overcome Tooth Cavities

Cavities that are not treated immediately are at risk of causing infection. Infections that occur will cause pain in the teeth, especially when chewing food. Find out the causes of cavities and how to overcome them in the following article.

Tooth decay is a condition where tooth tissue breaks down, resulting in a hole in the tooth. This generally occurs because it is caused by bacteria that ferment food debris on the tooth surface. In addition, consumption of sweet foods or drinks, and not maintaining oral hygiene also causes cavities. This condition can be experienced by anyone, including adults, adolescents, children, and infants. If it is severe, cavities can cause infection until the tooth dies. Therefore, maintaining dental and oral hygiene is important for early prevention.

Causes of Cavities
The cause of cavities initially is always marked by the presence of plaque on the teeth. Plaque that adheres slowly will erode the coating on the teeth to form holes. Here are some of the causes of cavities:
1. Plaque

Plaque is the main cause of cavities, because plaque is a layer consisting of bacteria and food residue that is sticky and sticks to the teeth. Usually contained in sweet foods or drinks that contain certain carbohydrates. Examples include cakes, candy, soda, and other sweet foods. If you do not immediately check your dental health condition to the dentist it will cause symptoms of toothache.

2. The habit of rarely brushing teeth

If you are lazy to brush your teeth, the leftover food found on the surface of your teeth will be fermented by bacteria in the oral cavity and produce acid which can eventually damage tooth tissue.

3. Dry mouth condition

Saliva can help wash away food debris on the teeth and reduce bacteria in the mouth that cause decay.

4. Stomach Acid

Stomach acid can rise to the oral cavity causing acidic conditions that will erode the surface of the teeth. If left unchecked, this condition will cause serious tooth decay.

In addition, the location of the teeth can also cause cavities. For example, wisdom teeth or pressed teeth. Wisdom teeth that are located at the back are sometimes difficult to clean. Meanwhile, crowding of teeth will make it difficult to thoroughly clean between the teeth. As a result, food scraps are often left behind and cause cavities.

Symptoms of Cavities

1. Cavities in teeth are usually whitish in the early stages, then become brownish and blackish until they are clearly visible
2. Mild to severe pain when eating or drinking cold, hot or sweet foods
3. Sometimes pain appears suddenly / spontaneously without any stimulation
4. Pain when food enters the tooth cavity or when chewing
5. Bad breath
6. Teeth are more sensitive

How to prevent cavities
1. Diligently brush your teeth

Brush your teeth 2 times a day, after breakfast and before going to bed. It is recommended to brush your teeth at least 2 times a day to reduce and clean food debris and plaque in the oral cavity.

2. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride

Toothpaste containing fluoride is known to be more effective at helping strengthen and protect the outermost layer of teeth (email). Fluoride toothpaste can also help remineralize areas of tooth enamel that have begun to erode.

3. Choosing the right toothbrush

In addition to toothpaste, make sure Friends of Hermina also choose the right toothbrush. Choose a toothbrush that has soft bristles and has a small brush head that fits the size of the oral cavity.

4. Reduce sweet foods

Sweet foods usually contain high sugar which can accelerate the formation of cavities in teeth, limiting sweet foods means that you prevent cavities and after eating sweets it is mandatory to brush your teeth.

5. Regularly check with the dentist

Check your teeth regularly at least every 6 months to the dentist to detect cavities. Hermina's friends can also consult not only with dental cavities but other complaints such as tartar, straightening teeth and others. The dentist will provide treatment according to the diagnosis. So what are the treatments for cavities?

Cavities Treatment
Here are some treatments for cavities:
1. Dental Filling

Treatment for cavities that are not too deep to affect the dental pulp, usually the dentist will perform dental fillings. The dentist will clean around the tooth cavity with a bur and then add dental materials to fill the tooth surface. After that you are usually asked for a control 1 week later to evaluate whether your teeth are comfortable or there are still complaints.

2. Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is carried out when the tooth cavity has reached the dental pulp, usually this treatment requires several visits depending on the case of the tooth. If not treated immediately, there will be an infection around the tooth and can cause swelling of the gums to come out to the surface of the face.

3. Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is performed as a last resort for dental treatment when the tooth is no longer possible to maintain.

4. Drug administration

The administration of medicine depends on the case of the tooth. If an infection or inflammation is detected, with pain, or just pain, the dentist will prescribe medication according to the diagnosis.

So Friends of Hermina, don't forget to keep your teeth and mouth clean to avoid cavities and check regularly every 6 months to the dentist. Dental Health Services at the Hermina Pandanaran RSU Polyclinic is one of the leading services that focuses on dental health. Dental Health Services are served by doctors and dental nurses who have clinical and practical experience for years and have the qualifications of medical and non-medical abilities and skills to always provide friendliness, speed and quality in service to Friends of Hermina.

The dental health services that we can provide include: consultation and counseling on child and general dental health, basic and early advanced dental health services such as scaling, dental fillings, root canal treatment, tooth extraction, manufacture of dentures, installation of braces, and oral surgery. Doctor registration can be done through Halo Hermina which can be downloaded on Playstore/IOS or contact our Call Center at 1500488.