You brush your teeth and floss regularly; you’re not in any danger of getting cavities. Wrong! In fact, studies show that 90% of adults over the age of 40 have had tooth decay in their permanent teeth. Tooth decay isn’t something that you can outgrow. It’s just as important for adults to get regular dental exams.
Changes in your mouth as you age make cavities an adult problem. As you get older, your gums may pull away from your teeth. They can also pull away because of gum disease, which can expose your teeth to plaque. Small cavities may not cause pain and can go unnoticed by the patient. If you have a larger cavity it can collect food and cause the tooth to become irritated by bacterial toxins. Toothache is the number one reason for visits to the dentist.
Cavities can be reduced by proper nutrition, good oral hygiene, the use of oral or topical fluorides, and topical sealants.
At 4Excellence in Dentistry, we want to help you be the best you can and maintain your smile healthy.
