Cavities are a part of being human. If you have teeth, you’ll likely experience a cavity during your lifetime – or you already have. They’re a prevalent experience across populations worldwide, but thankfully can be treated with success before more permanent damage can occur to your tooth or teeth.
Catching them as early as possible is crucial to successful treatment, saving your smile and pocketbook. Left unchecked, cavities and decay can wreak havoc. Here’s how to avoid damage and know when to contact your Docklands dentist at Pinnacle Dental.
Sniffing Out a Cavity
Over time, you may have wondered if that bad smell coming from your mouth (or your children’s mouths) could be a cavity. You’re right to be cautious when you smell a sudden change in your breath or that of a loved one, but it’s important to understand why your breath smells.
A cavity, by definition, is simply the name of the hole where the tooth has decayed. You are likely smelling the aftermath of bacteria stuck in the cavity, or hole, in your tooth and living their best lives as they feed off organic matter while causing further damage. So, the cavities themselves aren’t causing a horrible smell, but their bacterial residents may be.
Keep Good Oral Hygiene and Prevent Decay
Engaging in good oral hygiene habits is crucial. Brushing twice a day and after meals, flossing, and eating a nutrient-dense diet that’s low in sugar are great ways to start. It’s also necessary to pay your dentist a visit every six months for a cleaning and checkup. Not only will our dental professionals clean the tartar off your teeth, but they are also trained to look for areas of decay.
Any cavities found at your regular appointments can be easily treated with minor procedures, but if they’re left untreated, they can grow into larger – and far more expensive – dental problems.
If it’s been a while since you last visited a dentist, or if you think you have a cavity right now, please contact us at (03) 9052 4422 and we’ll book you for a cleaning and checkup in Docklands. Being proactive with your oral health will save your smile and your wallet in the long run!
Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.