Can cavities spread? Short answer is no, they aren’t necessarily going to spread from tooth to tooth, but the same conditions that created one cavity can create another. So what can you do?
Cavities Are Preventable
Cavities can be prevented by good oral hygiene, excellent diet and regular dental checkups. Brushing and flossing 2 times a day can help prevent the plague from eating through your enamel. But timely removal of plaque is important. Also helpful is your diet. Avoiding foods likely to cause cavities can be helpful, and eating foods that support good oral health can also help maintain a clean and healthy mouth. Foods like apples and carrots can help keep your mouth clean, and foods like cheese, yogurt, dairy can help build strong and healthy teeth. Also drinking plenty of water can discourage plaque build up.
Lastly, preventing cavities by using fluoridated toothpaste, and if necessary drinking fluoridated water or receiving fluoride treatments at the dentist can also help prevent cavities. Going to your dentist’s office for regular cleanings and exams can assist in detecting cavities early. Although it is not true cavities spread, it is important to prevent further decay in your teeth, by eliminating the conditions that caused other cavities in the past.
Cavities Are Treatable
Cavities have safe treatment that is commonly used. A dentist may clean out the cavity area, removing decayed portions of the tooth, and using a material to fill the area and prevent further decay. This commonly used treatment is safe for children and adults, and can be done quickly in a dentist’s office. This won’t prevent further cavities, as cavities can occur if good oral hygiene isn’t observed. It may seem that cavities spread, but conditions that caused one cavity in the first place, may cause more cavities later.
Don’t Hesitate to Call or Ask
If you think you may have a cavity or know you have one, please call and set up an appointment so that it can be treated as soon as possible. It may be believed to be true that cavities spread, but continuing on with the same conditions that created one cavity, may eventually create another. Talking to your dentist about how you can prevent more cavities can help you in making a plan that may help you avoid more fillings in the future.
Call our Colorado Springs Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.