What Causes Cavities?

Most of us have had at least one cavity in our lifetime. When tooth enamel wears away, cavities form, exposing the soft tissues and nerves within the tooth. Sensitivity to temperature and touch are common signs of cavities. Cavities may also affect our ability to chew properly.

At Levesque Dentistry in Nashua, NH, our team of dentists provides comprehensive root canal therapy to patients with cavities. Schedule an appointment with our dentists online or call our office at (603) 547-9203. Learn more about cavities, the root canal procedure as well as preventative measures you can take below.

How Do Cavities Form?

Our mouths contain bacteria that help break down the food we eat. However, the more sugary and starchy foods that we eat, the more bacteria are produced. As the bacteria break down the foods, they produce acids. These acids bind to the plaque and can eat away at our enamel, forming a cavity.

Treating Cavities

A root canal becomes a necessary procedure when the tissues inside your tooth, also known as the pulp, are infected. To begin treatment, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic. Then, your dentist will remove the infected pulp from inside the tooth and the root canal. Once the infected pulp has been removed, a biocompatible material is inserted to temporarily fill the interior of your tooth until restoration can begin.

Preventing Cavities

The best defense against cavities is good oral hygiene. This starts with brushing your teeth after meals or at least twice a day. Be sure to use toothpaste that has fluoride to remove any place that may have formed. Flossing between teeth is necessary to remove plaque and any food particles left.

Both of these efforts help to prevent cavities from forming. You can also schedule biannual dentist visits to ensure a deep clean. Dental hygienists are armed with professional dental tools that are able to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums.