Since your teeth have multiple surfaces, small grooves, and hidden pockets, the possibility of multiple cavities is more common than you might think. The soft enamel of your teeth is susceptible to deterioration from food or stomach acid. Multiple cavities in one tooth can be inconvenient and painful, but how do they occur? Is there a way to prevent them from happening in the same tooth? Let’s explore more about how cavities are caused and how dentists fill them in this blog.
Diet
One of the most common causes of cavities is the food and drink we are consuming. Sugar, acidic foods, coffee, soda, and alcohol can all cause multiple cavities, either in multiple teeth or in one tooth. Eating or drinking something in excess can wear down the enamel on all the surfaces of your teeth, which can cause cavities, yellowing, or sensitivity. When you begin to notice more frequent cavities, the first thing you should adjust is the foods you eat, and increase your water intake.
Neglecting Oral Care
When you neglect flossing, fluoride, or regular brushing, cavities are more common. Practicing regular oral care is necessary to keep up the quality of your teeth and remove plaque that deteriorates enamel. Using fluoride toothpaste and flossing after eating a meal can help reduce the amount of build-up sitting on your teeth each day. The more often you clean your teeth, the fewer cavities you will experience.
Frequent Heartburn Or Acid Reflux
The stomach acid or acidic foods that cause heartburn are extremely damaging to your teeth. Those who have frequent problems with acid reflux and heartburn may notice multiple cavities in one tooth. Your back molars are more susceptible to cavities anyway, but the acid from your stomach can cause you to experience more than the average person. The tooth’s location and your daily life can impact whether you can get multiple cavities in one tooth.
Genetics
Some people are more prone to cavities because of genetics and how they impact the shape of the teeth. Some teeth have deeper grooves or may be smaller than other patients’ teeth. Teeth with deeper grooves will hold on to food particles more easily, leading to multiple cavities. While it is extremely discouraging to continue getting cavities, especially if you have changed your diet or oral care routine, some people will just always struggle with multiple cavities. If your genetics make you prone to cavities, you can work with your dentist to apply caps or sealants to fill in some of the deeper parts of your teeth.
How Many Fillings Can One Tooth Handle?
The size of your tooth, its placement in your mouth, and where the cavity is located. The more fillings a tooth has, the higher the risk of the tooth breaking. Working and communicating with your dentist can help you determine if a tooth can handle more work or if it will need to be removed. It is typically recommended that one tooth doesn’t have more than 3 fillings.
How Dentists Fill A Cavity
First, the decayed part of the tooth will be removed by either a laser or a drill. It will be cleaned out so that a hole is left inside the spongy part of the tooth. They will then fill in this gap with either a composite resin, amalgam (silver), or gold to restore the strength of the tooth. Fillings are typically good at preventing further decay because the damaged or infected pulp is completely removed, but on large teeth, a cavity may form on the opposite side.
How Do You Prevent Multiple Cavities?
If you experience frequent cavities, you may need to change up your oral care habits, diet, or the products you use. Avoiding excess sugar and cutting back on alcohol could help reduce the frequency of your cavities. It may also be helpful to increase how often you visit your dentist and have a cleaning to help reduce buildup on your teeth. In-depth cleaning from a dentist will remove stubborn plaque and food particles you may not be able to remove on your own.
Services From Avenues Dentistry
Avenues Dentistry knows that your dental health is just as important as caring for your physical health. Filling cavities, performing cavities, or completing cosmetic procedures can all be done in our office by our friendly dental team. Our dentists and dental assistants are committed to helping your entire family have confidence in their smile. Avenues Dentistry works hard to ensure all of our patients are comfortable and relaxed during their appointment. Schedule a cleaning or dental procedure with our team by calling (801) 328-4173.
