Can A Cavity Spread To Other Teeth

You've probably heard that gum disease can spread, but what about cavities? The answer, on the other hand, is a little more complicated. Cavities are little holes left behind after tooth decay has caused damage. These holes cannot be passed to neighboring teeth, but the bacteria that cause cavities can — just like any other bacteria or germ.

Cavities are caused by two main factors: a poor diet and inadequate oral hygiene.  Your mouth is loaded with microorganisms at all times. Some of the bacteria in your gut are helpful and aid digestion, while others can be dangerous. The bacterium that causes illness feeds on the sugar and starch in your food. The bacteria creates acid as it consumes. Acid can wear away at your teeth over time, causing a hole in your enamel, often known as a cavity. 

Cavities should be addressed quickly since they can lead to tooth decay and irreparable damage if not treated properly.

Can Cavity Pain spread to Other Teeth?

Cavities are usually produced by a buildup of sugar on the teeth, which causes them to decay. It may come as a shock to find that teeth cavities are contagious and can spread to other teeth causing cavity pain beyond the originally affected areas. You can also catch a cavity when you come into contact with oral fluids from a person with oral cavities, much like you can catch a cold sore.

Mothers who get too near to their kids are at risk of spreading a tooth cavity to their children. Cavity care in this situation entails controlling the colonization of cariogenic bacteria in the mouths of young children as soon as possible. To put it another way, they should clean their teeth immediately after eating to kill germs and bacteria in their mouth.

How Cavity Affects Your Teeth?

If a dental cavity is not addressed, it can lead to a range of problems:

• Toothache that won't stop
• A dental abscess can get infected and lead to life-threatening consequences such as a blood infection or sepsis
• Pustule formation surrounding the diseased tooth
• A higher chance of breaking or chipping a tooth
• Difficulty in chewing.

If you put off seeing a dentist, you risk causing irreversible damage to your teeth. The only method to treat the cavity at this point is to visit your dentist. 

How to Stop Tooth Decay From Spreading?

Most people lack knowledge of how to stop tooth decay from spreading. Ideally, cavities and tooth decay can be avoided with good oral and dental care. Here are some helpful hints for avoiding cavities. Inquire with your dentist about the best option for you when you can.

• Brush your teeth with fluoride-containing toothpaste at least twice a day, ideally after each meal. 
• Floss your teeth or use an interdental cleaner on a regular basis.
• Rinse your mouth with water regularly.
• See your dentist regularly. Get expert dental cleanings and oral exams regularly to help avoid or detect problems early. Your dentist can advise you on the optimal timetable for you.
• Dental sealants are a good option. A sealant is a plastic covering that is put to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to protect them. It closes off food-collecting grooves and crannies, protecting tooth enamel from plaque and acid. 
• Take a sip of tap water. Fluoride is a common treatment ingredient in most public water systems, which can greatly prevent tooth decay. You'll miss out on fluoride benefits if you just consume bottled water that doesn't contain fluoride.
• Snacking and sipping on sugary foods should be avoided. You help your oral bacteria manufacture acids that can harm tooth enamel whenever you eat or drink something other than water. To be safe, brush after every meal.
• Take a look at fluoride treatments. Periodic fluoride treatments may be recommended by your dentist, especially if you aren't getting enough fluoride from fluoridated drinking water or other sources. If your risk of tooth decay is high, he or she may additionally propose special trays that fit over your teeth for easier application of prescription fluoride.
• The risk of cavity development can be reduced by chewing xylitol-based gum, combined with prescription fluoride and an antibacterial rinse.

You may not notice any signs if your tooth decay is in its early stages. This is why it's critical to see your dentist on a frequent basis. Early stages of tooth cavity can be identified and treated by your dentist before they progress. Your dentist will also provide you with information on how to stop your tooth decay from spreading.

At Taylorview Dental., we're your trusted dentist in Idaho Falls. We endeavor to provide safe and quality dental care to all our clients. If you have dental cavities that need addressing, reach out to us at 208-522-4491 or leave us a message online today. 

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