A Guide to Fixing Cavities in Salisbury | What YOU Need to Know

Let’s face it. No one likes hearing the word ‘cavity’ during their dental check-up. Your stomach drops, and part of you wishes you had brushed your teeth a little better or passed on those sugary snacks! But don’t worry. Here at Sarum Dental in Salisbury, we’re not only fixing smiles with our range of restorative treatments, but we’re also helping our patients prevent cavities from developing in the first place!

So let’s jump into everything YOU need to know about cavities, how to avoid them, and what to do if they show up uninvited…

What exactly are cavities?

Cavities are tiny holes in your teeth that are caused by tooth decay. You see, the bacteria living in plaque love to feast on the leftover sugars that sit on the surface of your teeth. The bacteria break down the sugars into acids, which dissolve the hard surface of your teeth. Over time, this weakens the enamel (the protective layer of your teeth), and a cavity is born!

How do cavities happen?

We know what you’re thinking: “You’re just going to tell us to brush and floss!” And it’s true. A good oral hygiene routine goes a long way to preventing cavities from forming, but skipping brushing isn’t the only cause:

1. With lazy brushing and flossing, plaque builds up, and cavity-causing bacteria thrive.
2. Endulging in sugary snacks and drinks multiple times throughout the day will get you a one-way ticket to cavity central!
3. Have a dry mouth? Saliva is your mouth’s natural defence against cavities as it washes away plaque and acids. If you have less saliva, you’re more at risk!
4. Fluoride strengthens enamel, so if your toothpaste is missing this essential ingredient, it’s an open invitation for cavities to form.
5. Sometimes, genes play a role, and your teeth can just be genetically more vulnerable to cavities. Thanks, Mum and Dad.

Do I have a cavity? What are the signs?

Here are the top signs that you have developed a cavity:

1. A sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks.
2. A toothache that comes and goes.
3. Dark spots or visible holes in your teeth.
4. Persistent bad breath.

If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it’s time to book an appointment at Sarum Dental in Salisbury. The sooner your Sarum dentist can catch the cavity, the easier it is to treat!

Fixing Cavities at Sarum Dental in Salisbury

The good news is that cavities are treatable. Here’s how we can bring your smile back to optimum health:

White Fillings: At our Salisbury dental practice, we offer white filling treatment, a natural-looking, quick and affordable option for tooth repair.

Root Canals: We have a special-interest endodontist who can save your tooth from particularly bad cavities and tooth infections. No need to panic – root canals are not as scary as you think. Read THIS blog to find out more.

Crowns: For larger cavities and weakened teeth, we offer beautifully made crowns to restore and protect your smile.