A cavity is caused by the bacteria in your mouth building up and turning to plaque. If the plaque is not brushed away, it can turn to tartar, which is a harder substance that your Vienna Dentist uses special equipment to remove. If the tartar and plaque are not removed, either by the dentist or by practicing good oral hygiene at home, it will begin to eat away at the enamel on your teeth, leading to decay, and a cavity will eventually form.

Although many people know that cavities are caused by poor oral hygiene, there are several myths about cavities circulating. It is important to have a better understanding of cavities so that you can take the necessary steps in maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. Your Dentist Vienna has debunked some of the myths that have been going around to help you stay better informed.

If I have a cavity, I’ll know about it. In the beginning stages, cavities do not show symptoms. You will start to experience discomfort when the decay has advanced to a more severe stage, causing damage to the nerve.

If I brush, it’ll go away. Although brushing and flossing are great tools to prevent cavities, a cavity should not go untreated. This can cause the condition to worsen, which could lead to emergency, restorative dental care such as root canal therapy. By making regular visits to your Dentist in Vienna, your dentist will be able to detect the cavity and treat it before it escalates any further.

Cavities are the leading cause of tooth loss. Although cavities can cause tooth loss, this is not the leading cause. Periodontal (gum) disease is the true leading cause of tooth loss. It is especially important to visit your Vienna VA Dentist if you are experiencing any symptoms of periodontal disease such as swollen, bleeding gums or atypical teeth sensitivity.

If you suspect that you have a cavity, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with your Dentist in Vienna VA. The sooner you catch a cavity, the more easily and comfortably it can be treated.