Dental Cavities 101: Common Patient FAQs  

Cavities—the number one oral health threat among people of all ages. You’ve likely had one, you may have had one treated, and you may even have a cavity right now. Here is a look at some questions we hear most often about cavities as a West Salem dentist.

Why do you get cavities when you brush your teeth?

Brushing your teeth is definitely important to your oral health. However, just brushing alone is not always enough to prevent cavities from forming. For one, you may not hit every single surface of every tooth when you brush. Second, debris can get caught between teeth and just below the gum line where brushing does not reach.

Do you have to get a cavity filled?

Most dentists prefer to fill cavities once they are spotted because a filling can protect the tooth from further deterioration. However, other options may be available beyond fillings as well if you have just a small cavity. For example, if the cavity is only surface-level in the enamel, fluoride treatment may help to restore the damaged tooth enamel so you do not need a filling. This treatment is commonly combined with Solea laser dentistry to remove the damaged enamel quickly and painlessly without drilling.

Can a cavity spread to your other teeth?

Cavities are not contagious, so the presence of a cavity doesn’t mean the problem can spread to your other teeth. However, if you do get a cavity on one of your teeth, the likelihood of seeing others is greater. The reason is the presence of a cavity means conditions in your mouth are ideal for a cavity to form.

Talk to Your West Salem Dentist About Cavities

No cavity should be overlooked as unimportant, and new technologies like the Solea laser make cavities easier to treat than ever. Reach out to us at Allen Dental to schedule an appointment to have your cavity treated today!