Eight Interesting Things to Know About Cavities and Fillings

While there are probably some people who have never had a cavity, most of us got our first cavity as a child. In earlier times, cavities were generally filled by a dentist using silver-colored amalgam fillings, but today, there are other options and better ways to get cavities filled. While cavities are no fun—and definitely not a laughing matter—it is intriguing to learn more about them and the materials used to fill them. Let’s dive in with these quick facts. 

1. The First Known Dental Filling Was About 6500 Years Ago

In 2012, a beeswax filling was found in Italy. Archaeologists determined that this filling was more than 6,000 years old. However, modern dental fillings are youngsters at just 150 years old. 

2. Babies Can Get Cavities

There’s a myth out there in the world that suggests babies can’t get cavities. However, children as young as one year old can develop a cavity in a baby tooth from the bacteria that causes dental plaque. 

3. Decay Can Keep Spreading Underneath Fillings

It is widely believed that once you get a filling, your cavity worries in that tooth are over. The reality is that the tooth areas under and around the filling can keep decaying if you don’t maintain proper oral hygiene. 

4. Sugary Foods Are the Main Cause of Cavities

Can you get cavities even if you brush and floss twice a day? You can, and the main culprit is sugary foods and beverages. If you eat a lot of sugar, plaque on your teeth converts carbohydrates into acids that can cause cavities if you don’t brush right after a meal. If you eat sugary snacks or drink sugar beverages, be sure to brush your teeth right after. 

5. You Can Have a Cavity and Not Know It

Sometimes, a cavity can cause pain or sensitivity when you chew or eat cold and hot foods. But you can also have a cavity with no signs or symptoms. That’s why it is important to always go to the dentist twice a year for a checkup. 

6. Healthy Foods Can Also Cause Cavities

This interesting fact surprises some people. However, foods often seen as healthy can cause cavities to develop. These include dried fruit, which sticks to your teeth, leaving sugar on for too long after eating it. Fruit juice can also cause cavities because they contain a lot of natural sugar. 

7. Cavities Don’t Get Better on Their Own

The good old-fashioned home remedies for cavities never fix a cavity. If they helped at all, they may have helped temporarily with pain and swelling. It’s important to keep in mind that the only way to fix a cavity is to get a filling. 

8. A LOT of People Have Cavities

The American Dental Association said that more than 175 million people in the United States receive fillings for cavities every year. Even worse, 25% of Americans have at least one cavity that needs treatment. 

Your Solutions for Cavities in Arcata, CA

Dr. Trish Barsanti and the Barsanti Dental Group in Arcata, California, have solutions for cavities, whether for yourself or a family member. Call us today at (707) 388-3880 to schedule an appointment or consultation. 

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