At Waco Advanced Dental Care in Waco, Texas we have multiple treatments for cavities. However, the best treatment is to prevent cavities from forming. Through this guide we will explain why cavities are at a bigger risk of forming at night and ways you can prevent them from developing.
What Are The Risk Factors of Cavities?
Cavities are irreversibly damaged areas deep in your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, snacking constantly, consuming sugary drinks and foods, and not having good oral hygiene. Anyone who has teeth is at risk of getting cavities, but the following factors can increase the chance:
- Tooth location.
- Bedtime infant feeding.
- Not getting enough fluoride.
- Younger or older age.
- Dry mouth.
- Worn fillings or dental devices.
- Heartburn.
- Eating disorders.
Did You Know that Cavities Form While You Sleep?
A dry mouth or Xerostomia is a frequent condition that causes cavities, and it is due to a reduced saliva flow in your mouth. When you are awake, you can control saliva production so you can sense your mouth drying and have a cup of water to stay hydrated. However, when you are asleep, the worst symptoms of dry mouth can develop because you go hours without drinking water, grind your teeth when you sleep, and you breathe through your mouth. Symptoms of dry mouth while sleeping:
- Bad breath in the morning that may last throughout the day
- Feeling very thirsty when you wake up
- Waking up frequently to get a drink of water during the night
- Dry, scratchy throat
- Difficulty taking a full breath
- Dry, cracked, or chapped lips
Ways to Prevent A Dry Mouth and Cavities From Forming In Your Sleep
Preventing dry mouth and cavities is detrimental to your oral health. Waco Advanced Dental Care recommends that you do the following 20 actions to prevent cavities and low production of saliva:
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol at night
- Limit your salt intake
- Avoid spicy and acidic foods
- Quit smoking
- Use nasal strips
- Use a humidifier
- Use sugar-free chewing gum
- Use synthetic saliva
- Check your medications
- Brush your teeth before bed with an electric toothbrush.
- Stay hydrated throughout the day. Drink a cup of water before bed.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth
- Use fluoride treatments
- Use a mouthwash
- Do not brush your teeth immediately after eating. Wait 30 minutes to brush to avoid hurting your teeth.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day
- Rinse your mouth after eating with water.
- Visit your dentist regularly
- Saltwater rinses can help
- Use a dental guard at night
What Treatments Are Available For Cavities?
Treatment of cavities depends on how severe they are and your particular situation. Waco Advanced Dental Care in Waco, TX provides the following treatments for cavities:
- Fillings. Fillings can be used to treat severely decayed teeth. There are white and silver fillings available.
- Crowns. For deep decay or weakened teeth, you may need a custom-fitted covering that replaces your tooth’s entire natural crown. Your dentist drills away all the decayed areas and enough of the rest of your tooth to ensure a good fit.
- Root canals. When decay reaches the inner material of your tooth you may need a root canal. This treatment is used to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth instead of removing it. The diseased tooth pulp is removed. Medication is sometimes put into the root canal to clear any infection. Then the pulp is replaced with a filling.
- Tooth extractions. Some teeth become so severely decayed that they can not be restored and must be removed. Having a tooth pulled can leave a gap that allows your other teeth to shift. If possible, consider getting a bridge or a dental implant to replace the missing tooth.
Would I Benefit From Cavity Treatments?
The signs and symptoms of cavities vary on the decay level and location. You may not have symptoms until the decay is large. Some signs and symptoms you may experience are the following:
- Toothache, spontaneous pain, or pain that occurs without any apparent cause
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot, or cold
- Visible holes or pits in your teeth
- Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth
- Pain when you bite down
If you have any of these signs and symptoms please call (254) 754-3505 to make an appointment.
