How to Get Rid of Cavities

Dental cavities are also known as caries or tooth decay. With poor oral hygiene, thin and white sticky films, called plaques build up on the surface of our teeth, which will then be harbored by bacteria. As the bacteria settle on the plaque and feed from sugar and starch we are eating, they will create an acid that will cause damage on the enamel, which is the protective covering of the tooth. As the damage progresses, the tooth will gradually decay and will soon impose problems such as toothache, bad breath, an overly sensitive tooth, serious complications on the surrounding gums and even tooth loss. To protect your teeth from cavities, follow the easy steps below.

Things You'll Need

• Fluoride gel, liquid solutions, or toothpaste

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Instructions

How to Get Rid of Cavities

• 1

  Clear away cavities through fluoride treatment. Fluoride is an essential mineral for your teeth. It helps keep the enamel of your teeth stronger and more protected from cavities. Fluoride also assists in repairing the damage on your teeth. If you notice that cavities are gradually forming, early fluoride treatment will help restore the condition of your enamel. Consult your dentist for some types of fluoride gels, liquid solutions or foams that are more potent than those of the over-the-counter toothpastes and mouthwash.

• 2

  Ask your dentist for some restorations on the eroded portion of your tooth. When a section of your tooth is partially decayed, the dentist can patch that part up with some fillings that will help restore the original shape of your tooth. As the dentist drills off the damaged part, he will then replace that part with fillings made up of porcelain or composite resins that is of the same color as your tooth. After the process, your tooth will be as good as new.

• 3

  Talk to your dentist about repairing your tooth decay with crowns. This method is best if your tooth is extensively decayed and too weak for fillings. This process involves the removal of the decayed and weakened portion of your tooth, which will then be replaced with a covering jacket or a cap, also called a crown, that is made up of porcelain to closely resemble the appearance of your original tooth. Caps can also be made up of porcelain that is fused with metal or sometimes is made up of gold.

• 4

  A root canal is a useful method for tooth cavity cases where there is damage on the nerve pulp or root of the tooth. In this method, the dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth along with the affected nerve and vascular tissues. The removed portion is then replaced with a porcelain filling. In some cases, a crown or cap may be placed over the repaired portion of the tooth.

• 5

  Consider extraction of your tooth if it is not worth saving. If your tooth is badly decayed and is causing too much discomfort, you may as well ask your dentist to extract it. This is usually needed only in severe cases. When you have your tooth extracted, you may as well let your dentist fill the gap with a dental implant later on--because if your allow an unfilled gap around your remaining set of teeth, there is a possibility for them to move farther away from each other.