3 Reasons Cavities Often Go Untreated

Cavities are points of decay that require treatment so the issue will not continue to grow, and the problem is highly treatable in the beginning. However, it is not uncommon for people to not reach out to a dentist for cavity treatment in Salem until a cavity has progressed quite extensively.

1. Poor Understanding of the Risk

A small cavity can look like such a minuscule problem. After all, when the problem begins, you may barely notice anything, so the issue is easy to disregard. Unfortunately, once the enamel of the tooth has been compromised, the cavity can grow quickly and put the tooth at risk.

2. Lack of Dental Checkups

Dental checkups are one of the most critical components of proactive dental care. Many cavities are first discovered during a checkup. While you may see your teeth every day, the dentist takes a more in-depth look in places like below the gum line and in between teeth where cavities are hard to see.

3. Dental Treatment Anxiety

Dental treatment anxiety is a very real issue for many patients. Some have anxious feelings about the sensations of treatment, the tools used in the process, or even pain that may come after a procedure. With the right dentist, however, dental anxiety can be adequately managed. Numerous options are available to soothe fears and make the procedure as comfortable as possible.

Find Cavity Treatment with a West Salem, WI Dentist

When cavities are discovered and treated early, you may not have any further issues with an ailing tooth. Therefore, reaching out to a West Salem dentist promptly and working to achieve proactive care can truly save your smile. Reach out to us at Allen Dental to find out how we can help with cavity prevention and treatment.

3 of the Problem Points in Your Mouth for Cavities

A major component of general dentistry services in West Salem is tending to cavities patients have with the proper fillings to prevent further decay. While most people know that cavities can develop anywhere on their teeth, most don’t realize that specific points on the teeth can be more prone to decay than others. Let’s take a look.

Between the Teeth

Without question, the most common place for a cavity to begin developing is between the teeth. The areas between your teeth are notoriously hard to reach with general brushing, which is problematic because this is where food particles are most likely to get trapped. This is one reason it is so important to follow a good flossing regimen and get regular teeth cleanings.

The Posterior (Back) Teeth

The posterior teeth that are located at the furthest points of the jaw can be more prone to developing cavities than others. The teeth are harder to see when you look in the mirror, but also more commonly overlooked during brushing and flossing.

Distal (Back) Areas of Your Teeth

The distal surfaces of your teeth are closest to the tongue, so they are not readily visible when you smile or when you are brushing. These surfaces can be more prone to cavities because they are easy to miss when you brush, but also because the temperature in your mouth can be higher here with your tongue typically resting against the surfaces.

Got Cavities? Get Help from a West Salem Dentist

Cavities left untreated can lead to a high likelihood that you will lose a tooth. Therefore, looking for a West Salem dentist for help as soon as you realize you have a cavity is important. Reach out to us at Allen Dental if you believe you have a cavity that needs to be addressed.