Seven things that can happen if you have a dental cavity

Dental cavities, also known as caries or tooth decay, are damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks, and not cleaning your teeth well. Here are some common signs and symptoms that may indicate a dental cavity:

1. Toothache: Spontaneous pain or pain that occurs without any apparent cause.

2. Tooth Sensitivity: Mild to sharp pain when teeth are exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks.

3. Visible Holes or Pits in Your Teeth: These may be small and dark in appearance.

4. Pain When You Bite Down: This can indicate decay has reached the dentin, where nerves are more sensitive.

5. Staining on the Surface of a Tooth: Stains can appear as black, white, or brown spots and can signify decay.

6. Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste in the Mouth: Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste could be a sign that cavities are present.

7. Swelling or Abscess: In advanced cases, swelling of the gum near a sore tooth or a visible abscess might occur.

It's important to note that in the early stages, cavities may have no symptoms at all, and only a dental professional can detect them. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for early detection and treatment of cavities before they develop into more serious issues. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's advisable to visit a dentist for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment.

Mottling and stains on teeth

Hypermineralisation and hypomineralisation are dental conditions that affect the enamel of the teeth, potentially leading to visual changes like stains, mottling, or discoloration. Here's an explanation of these conditions, their presentation, causes, and possible treatment options:

Hypermineralisation:

Hypermineralization, also known as enamel hypoplasia, is a condition where the enamel of the teeth has an excess of minerals, making it harder and more opaque than normal enamel. It can lead to white spots or areas of increased opacity on the teeth. These spots may appear chalky white, opaque, or pearly in color.

Hypomineralization:

Hypomineralization, on the other hand, is a condition where the enamel lacks the normal mineral content, making it softer and less dense than healthy enamel. This can lead to areas of enamel that are more porous and vulnerable to decay. Hypomineralization can present as brown, yellow, or discolored spots on the teeth, often with a chalky or matte appearance. One common form of hypomineralization is called dental fluorosis, which results from excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development.

Causes:

- Hypermineralization:

This condition can be caused by various factors, including genetics, injury or trauma to developing teeth, or local disturbances during tooth formation.

- Hypomineralization:

Hypomineralization can be caused by factors such as excessive fluoride intake during tooth development, nutritional deficiencies (especially of calcium and vitamin D), or certain medications.

Presentation:

Hypermineralization and hypomineralization often manifest as visual changes on the teeth:

- Hypermineralization: White, opaque, or pearly spots on the teeth.

- Hypomineralization: Brown, yellow, or discolored spots with a chalky or matte appearance.

Treatment Options:

Treatment options for hypermineralization and hypomineralization depend on the severity of the condition and the impact on dental health:

1. Topical Treatments:

For mild cases, dental professionals may recommend topical treatments such as microabrasion or tooth mousse to address cosmetic concerns and help balance mineral distribution in the enamel.

2. Dental Bonding:

In some cases, dental bonding with tooth-colored resin may be used to improve the appearance of discolored or mottled teeth.

3. Veneers or Crowns:

For more severe cases, veneers or crowns may be considered to cover and protect affected teeth.

4. Fluoride Treatment:

In cases of dental fluorosis (a specific type of hypomineralization caused by excessive fluoride), fluoride treatments may help strengthen enamel.

5. Preventive Measures:

Proper oral hygiene and preventive measures, such as regular dental check-ups, fluoride toothpaste, and a balanced diet, can help maintain oral health.

The timing of when these conditions likely formed can vary. Some may be present during tooth development, while others may develop in childhood or adulthood. If you notice changes in the appearance of your teeth or have concerns about stains or discoloration, it's advisable to consult with a dentist. They can assess the condition, determine the underlying cause, and recommend appropriate treatment options to improve the appearance and health of your teeth.

What is superfloss

Superfloss is a special type of dental floss designed to help people with specific dental needs effectively clean their teeth and gums. It is often recommended for individuals who have braces, dental bridges, dental implants, or wide gaps between their teeth. Superfloss typically consists of three unique components in a single strand of floss:

1. Rigid End (Stiffened Threader): One end of superfloss is a stiffened or rigid threader. This section is designed to help guide the floss through dental appliances, such as braces or under bridges.

2. Spongy Middle Section: The middle part of superfloss is spongy or fluffy. This section is used to clean around braces, dental implants, or wide gaps between teeth. The texture of this portion helps remove plaque and food particles effectively.

3. Regular Floss: The other end of superfloss is traditional dental floss, typically made of nylon or Teflon. This section is used for cleaning between teeth and along the gumline, just like regular dental floss.

Here's how to use superfloss effectively, depending on your specific needs:

For Braces:

1. Take a length of superfloss (usually about 18 inches or 45 cm) and thread the rigid end through the wires of your braces. The stiffened end makes it easier to guide the floss between your teeth and braces.

2. Once the floss is threaded through, gently slide it up and down between each tooth and along the gumline. Be careful not to apply too much force to avoid damaging your braces or wires.

3. Repeat this process for each tooth, using a clean section of superfloss between teeth.

For Dental Bridges or Implants:

1. Thread the stiffened end of superfloss under the dental bridge or around the dental implant by gently guiding it through the gap or under the appliance.

2. Once you have threaded the floss through, hold both ends of the floss and move it in a sawing motion to clean the space between the bridge or implant and the adjacent natural tooth.

3. Slide the spongy middle section of superfloss up and down along the abutment tooth (the natural tooth next to the bridge or implant) and beneath the bridge or around the implant to remove plaque and debris.

4. Repeat this process for each tooth with a dental bridge or implant.

For Wide Tooth Gaps or Other Dental Appliances:

1. Thread the stiffened end of superfloss through the gap between your teeth or around any dental appliance, such as a spacer or retainer.

2. Use the spongy middle section to clean the areas around the gap or appliance by sliding the floss up and down and along the gumline.

3. Repeat this process for each gap or dental appliance.

Regular and thorough dental hygiene, including flossing, is essential for maintaining good oral health. Superfloss is a helpful tool for those with specific dental needs to ensure effective cleaning in areas that may be challenging to reach with regular dental floss. It's important to use superfloss as directed by your dentist or orthodontist to avoid damaging dental appliances or dental work.