TEETH, PAIN IN: TREATMENT
Cavities form when the bacteria that ate naturally found in the mouth combine with the sugars in food to form plaque, a sticky substance that can eat away at tooth enamel and the exposed tooth roots of adults who have gum disease. Midlife adults who have even a minor case of gingivitis ate especially prone to cavities on the tooth root because there’s no enamel on the exposed surface. And when a cavity forms on the root, it can hasten an advanced case of gum disease. Saliva does help to wash away excess bacteria. But since saliva production decreases with age, you’ll need to pay close attention to your dental hygiene.
Your dentist will treat a cavity by first removing the decay and then placing a filling in the tooth. Fillings are made of gold, a porcelain cement that blends in with your natural tooth color, or silver amalgam, which is a combination of silver, mercury, and copper.
If the decay is extensive and threatens the tooth, your dentist may suggest a root canal, which removes the deep decay and the tooth nerves but allows the tooth to remain.
Your dentist will also map out a detailed home care plan designed to prevent future cavities.
Tips and Precautions
The many different brands of fluoride treatment on the market today can go a long way toward protecting your teeth from decay. Your dentist or hygienist may prescribe a special gel or paste for you. You may find that some are painful to your sensitive teeth, so it’s a good idea to experiment until you find the kind that works best for you.
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