Cavities In Your Sleep (And How To Prevent Them)

Cavities In Your Sleep (And How To Prevent Them)

If you’re concerned about cavities in your sleep, read this guide from Wolter Advanced Dental Care in Chambersburg, PA.

What Are Cavities?

Cavities, otherwise known as tooth decay, are the result of bacteria that live in our mouths. Eating sugary or starchy foods and beverages can cause these bacteria to produce acids that erode tooth enamel, resulting in permanent holes in teeth. To avoid this, it is important to rinse your mouth with water after meals or snacks and to stick to your daily brushing and flossing routine.

What Happens In Your Mouth As You Sleep?

  • As you sleep, bacteria in your mouth eat and release acid. The presence of bacteria in your mouth is unpleasant, but it’s something you can manage. Depending on your oral hygiene habits, each tooth could have between 1,000 and 100,000 bacteria living on it. When you go to sleep, these microscopic creatures feed on food residue stuck between your teeth or under your gum line. The waste they produce is highly acidic, which can damage your enamel and lead to tooth decay and gum disease. To reduce the number of bacteria and lower the risk of oral health problems, make sure you brush and floss your teeth before bedtime.

  • When you sleep, your production of saliva decreases which can create an environment for bacteria and germs to thrive. This is why you may experience bad breath in the morning – the germs and bacteria have had the opportunity to multiply overnight. To help manage the bacteria, brushing your teeth before bed and when you wake up is recommended. If this is not done, these germs and bacteria will continue to multiply and excrete waste.

What Happens If Cavities Are Left Untreated?

It is imperative for individuals of all ages to go to the dentist if they have any form of cavity, as dentists are expertly qualified to treat and repair them. If cavities are neglected, however, they can cause a tooth abscess, which is an agonizing infection of the tooth, along with the potential for tooth loss and the infection to spread to other areas of the body. For this reason, it is vital to seek dental care for cavities as soon as possible.

You Can Avoid Cavities With Routine Dental Exams And Professional Cleanings

Visiting the dentist is about more than just having a sparkling smile. Regular dental visits are essential for preventing and detecting dental diseases. Early detection of any issues can ensure you get the best treatment possible. To ensure optimal oral health, it is important to have regular dental cleanings and exams. This way, any problems can be caught before they cause any pain.

Wolter ADC Offers A Variety Of Dental Fillings

When it comes to treating and filling cavities, there are a variety of materials available, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Gold, silver amalgam, tooth-colored composite material, porcelain, and a unique type of glass are all potential options. What you decide to go with will depend on cost, your insurance coverage, and your desired aesthetic. Amalgam and composite are the two most common choices, with many of our patients opting for the tooth-colored composite fillings. Dr. Wolter will discuss all available options with you to ensure your teeth stay healthy and strong.

For Severe Toothaches And Emergency Dental Care, Choose Wolter ADC

Whether you are a new patient or a returning patient, Wolter Advanced Dental Care is happy to serve you and take care of your dental emergency. In most cases, we can accommodate emergency walk-in appointments or offer a same-day appointment. Once Dr. Wolter and our team have addressed your dental emergency, we will schedule a re-evaluation or a comprehensive dental exam for new patients.

Wolter Advanced Dental Care is open as early as 7:30 AM and with extended times for dental emergencies. We understand that dental emergencies can be extreme experiences, and our team will do everything we can to provide you with immediate relief and a long-term oral health plan.

At Wolter Advanced Dental Care, we provide high-quality, comprehensive dentistry using the latest technology and materials available to ensure the best treatment possible for our patients.  Our staff is committed to patient care and comfort and is dedicated to creating an environment that is welcoming, family-friendly, and stress-free. If you are ready for cosmetic or restorative dental care in the Chambersburg, PA area, consider Wolter Advanced Dental Care. Call 717-496-9093 to schedule a consultation today.