At the Little Falls dental office of Dr. Greg Liss, we always try to make sure our patients know the truth about their dental health. That includes educating you about what types of things may or may not contribute to dental problems and what should truly be of concern. Cavities are no exception. Let’s separate fact from fiction.

We’ll start with one of the most widely-accepted myths, one that is so close to the truth that it seems like a fact. That’s the idea that sugar is the prime cause of cavities. In reality, the sugar itself isn’t doing the damage. It’s the acid produced by bacteria in your mouth that causes the decay. Here’s what happens: You eat carbohydrates, like sugar; the bacteria are triggered to make acid. The acid, in turn, can eat into your teeth, creating a cavity.

Another misconception is that cavities are harmless in baby teeth. Quite the opposite is true. If cavities in baby teeth are left untreated, they can actually develop into abscesses and can cause some serious pain. If this occurs, not only is the child in pain, they’re also at risk for spreading the infection to other areas of the body.

And lastly, some people think that if they have a cavity in Little Falls, they’ll know it because it will cause pain. That’s definitely not that case. Mild tooth decay doesn’t really come with any symptoms. It’s when the cavity becomes more advanced and causes damage to the nerve that we typically start to experience the pain associated with a cavity. This is just one of the reasons it’s important to keep up with your oral exams with your Little Falls dentist.

Regular check ups with Dr. Greg Liss at his Little Falls dental office can help catch any decay before it turns into a bigger problem, like needing a root canal. In addition, once a cavity starts, it will always continue to grow. This makes catching a cavity early so important for a healthy, pain-free smile.

If you’re overdue for your dental check up, call Dr. Liss’ Little Falls dental office to set up an appointment today. We’ll perform an in-depth exam to see what’s going on in your mouth and we’ll make sure to get your smile in top shape.