{"id":655,"date":"2016-01-27T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-01-27T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mydentalpracticeblog.com\/\/hudsonhighlandsdentistry\/dental-care-blog\/why-you-shouldnt-wait-to-treat-a-cavity-3\/"},"modified":"2016-01-27T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2016-01-27T00:00:00","slug":"why-you-shouldnt-wait-to-treat-a-cavity-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mydentalpracticeblog.com\/hudsonhighlandsdentistry\/dental-care-blog\/why-you-shouldnt-wait-to-treat-a-cavity-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Why You Shouldn’t Wait To Treat A Cavity"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n

\"\" MANY OF US HAVE HAD<\/strong> at least one cavity in our lives, and if we don\u2019t keep up on our oral hygiene, it\u2019s likely that we\u2019ll get a couple more as time goes by. While cavities may be inconvenient, it\u2019s imperative that we get them treated immediately. Early treatment of cavities prevents long-term damage to our teeth and is essential to maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile! <\/p>\n

Cavities Are A Sign Of Tooth Decay<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A cavity is a small hole that develops on your tooth when it begins to decay. Harmful bacteria is contained in the plaque that sticks to our teeth. This bacteria produces acid that eats away at our teeth and causes cavities if the plaque is not removed. If left untreated, the cavity can grow larger and cause permanent damage to the tooth. Letting cavities fester is more common than you think. Approximately 28 percent<\/strong> of adults are living with untreated cavities. Because cavities are so commonplace, some may think they can leave them untreated, either to save money or spare themselves a filling. It is important to remember, however, that a cavity is considered an infection that requires prompt treatment. <\/p>\n

Cavities Will Continue To Grow If Left Untreated<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Cavities can only get worse with time. Once that harmful bacteria creates a cavity, it will continue to grow if not repaired with a filling. To further understand the damage a cavity can do to your tooth, let\u2019s go over some tooth anatomy. A tooth consists of three parts: <\/strong> <\/p>\n

    \n
  1. The hard and protective outer layer called the enamel<\/li>\n
  2. The middle layer called dentin<\/li>\n
  3. The inner layer called the pulp, which contains the tooth\u2019s blood vessels and nerves<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The enamel is the tooth\u2019s first line of defense against cavity-causing bacteria. If treatment is postponed, the bacteria will eventually get through the enamel and enter into the layer of dentin, and eventually, the pulp. If cavity-causing bacteria is allowed to reach the dental pulp, it can lead to a condition known as pulpitis, or inflammation of the pulp. If treated quickly, pulpitis can be treated with a simple filling. If left to progress, more serious measures may need to be taken such as a root canal or tooth extraction.