Facts About Cavities

Cavities are no joke! You do not want to be caught off guard when a cavity gets worse and starts causing you problems. The key is catching them early, but how can you do this? Visiting your cosmetic dentist or getting cleaning done every six months can ensure you take care of any problems before they become something significant. 

So, what are some of the major causes of cavities? Well, you probably already know the top five: Drinking high-sugar drinks puts you at risk for cavities. Not brushing your teeth and smoking is another problem that increases the risk of cavities. Snacking a lot throughout the day with high-carb foods can create a problem you didn’t know about. And #5, not visiting your dentist regularly for that cleaning. 

But here are some causes of cavities you may need to consider regularly. For example, did you know chewing gum or using your teeth as tools can also cause a problem? Or flossing without floss can increase your risk of getting a cavity. But also be on the lookout for brushing too soon after eating. The acid from food can break down the enamel, so waiting 30 minutes after eating or drinking can reduce that risk. We know your dental health is essential! Contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team today if you have questions or concerns. 

How Can You Tell If You Have a Cavity?

 Do you have noticeable sharp pain when you eat or drink? Or when you look at your smile, do you see a hole? You might also be experiencing pain in general when you are doing business. All of these could be a sign that you have a cavity. 

Various daily habits can cause cavities, which can become a problem that impacts your sleep, eating, or daily life. Scheduling a consultation with your dentist can help get you back on your feet. If you have a cavity and let it go for too long, you might end up with a situation that causes more pain and is more costly to fix. 

Cavities are not necessarily caused by one thing in one day. They are often created over time by a habit you have or an act you do often that wears down the enamel on your teeth. While brushing and flossing reduce the risk of cavities, once a cavity has formed, there is no way to get rid of it without visiting the dentist. 

However, visiting your cosmetic dentist can ensure your cavity is fixed, and you are back on the right track with your dental health. 

 

For more information or options for tooth pain, schedule a visit with Dr. Judy Strutz and her dental team. 

A Little Dental Care

We often put our other needs in front of our dental care. For example, you go to the doctor when you are feeling sick. You take care of your health needs or visit the specialty doctor when you need to get a mole checked out. Your dental care is just as important. Don't forget your six-month check-up and other dental care needs this year. 

This dental visit can be the difference between your health and a compromised immune system. While a cavity or decay may seem like something small, it matters! Your dental health is just as important as your medical health. Dental decay or a cavity can turn into a dental problem that costs more money. It can create dental pain that requires you to take off work. Or cause you to miss important events with your family. If this problem goes on for too long it can further create problems with gum disease or dental abscesses. All of these problems lead to damage to your smile that can take time and money to fix.

For more information on your smile and how to ensure your dental health is where it needs to be, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team.

 

When you have a softening of the tooth enamel, the damage to the tooth structure can cause a cavity. When a cavity is left untreated the hole in the tooth gets larger. While gum recession or an exposed root is called a "root cavity." Both of these can cause problems to your teeth as well as your overall health. Here are 4 of the most common reasons for cavities, 

1. Consuming; too much food with sugar in it. Sugar breaks down the enamel of the tooth. When sugar is left on the surface of the tooth it causes damage. 
2. Not brushing regularly. Any food you eat builds upon the surface of the tooth and, is broken down into sugar. Brushing your teeth ensures the surface of your tooth is free from food particles that cause problems for your smile. 
3. Plaque build-up. Plaque is a hard yellow substance that builds up your teeth if you do not brush. In the presence of sugar, plague produces acid which, builds up over time causing even more problems for your teeth. 
4. Medical problems. Unfortunately, some medical problems can leave your smile at risk. If you are getting treatment for some types of cancer or other medical procedure, be sure to talk to your doctor about your dental care. 

For more information about your dental health, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team.

Can Birth Control Impact the Health of Your Gums?

Birth control used to have higher levels of estrogen and progesterone in them. This increase in hormones can wreak havoc in your mouth, including sensitivity, bleeding, swollen gums and an increased chance of cavities. But there is good news, not only can you keep your smile healthy by brushing and flossing, eating healthy, drinking water and visiting your dentist regularly, but birth control pills now have less hormones in them than the birth control of the past.

However, it is critical that you let your dentist know if you are on birth control. While it may not impact your smile, they need to know incase they decide to write a prescription for something that may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control. It is also important to know that your mouth and body may react differently to hormone levels and if you begin to notice any problems it is critical that you get it taken care of right away.

The other area you may be impacted is called, “dry socket.” Dry socket can be painful and is when you have radiating pain from the bone being exposed after an extraction. If this occurs you will want to contact Dr. Strutz and her team.  

For more information on the dental risks of high hormone levels contact Dr. Strutz and her team today.

Your Smile Doesn’t Have To Dictate Your Future

The summer is right around the corner and you may be looking at finally taking that summer vacation you have always wanted. Or maybe you’re planning that sky diving activity. Whatever you are planning for this summer, don’t let the health of your smile dictate the choices you make. Cavities, decay, and missing or broken teeth can cause problems in your body that cause you to feel lethargic, inflammation, or cause you to just not feel like yourself.

 

Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Judy Strutz and her team can help you determine which dental procedures are going to best fit your needs and which problems you need to take care of that are going to help you get your life back on track. There is no reason for you to not love your smile. Now there is plenty of technology that can restore your smile.

Veneers, dentures-in-a-day, bridges or crowns can create the beautiful smile you can’t wait to show off in summer photos. Even fixing a crooked or broken tooth is relatively inexpensive and easy with today’s dental technology.

For more information on procedures that improve your smile, contact Dr. Strutz and her team today!