Many people dread going to the dentist, even though it’s a necessary part of your oral hygienic care. You don’t want to be told you have cavities even though you swear you were taking good care of your teeth. If you’re someone who tends to get cavities, you may even worry about whether or not you can get multiple cavities in the same tooth. 

Yet, seeing the dentist on a regular basis can help you prevent further cavities in the future. It also gives you the chance to ask any burning dental questions you may have, such as whether or not you can get multiple cavities in the same tooth. 

Can The Same Tooth Get Multiple Cavities?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is yes. Your tooth has 5 sides that could get cavities. The top, the front, the back, and then either side of the tooth. It is indeed possible for you to get multiple cavities in the same tooth.

A single tooth can also experience recurrent tooth decay. What this means is when you get a cavity under an existing dental filling or restoration. This can happen due to leaks and cracks in the restoration, as can occur if you clench and grind your teeth. 

Can You Get Multiple Fillings In One Tooth?

While you can indeed get multiple cavities in the same tooth, you can’t always get multiple fillings in the same tooth. This is because there may not be enough space for multiple fillings in a single tooth. In order to fill a cavity, there needs to be enough tooth structure. If you have multiple cavities in one tooth, your dentist may not have the room to remove the decayed areas and place fillings.

If a dentist cannot fill a cavity, they will likely recommend a dental crown or another type of restoration. This way, they can remove the cavity and keep your tooth protected from further decay. Your dentist will always do whatever they can to save your natural tooth. Dentists only recommend tooth extraction when nothing more can be done to save your natural tooth.

What Can Cause Multiple Cavities In The Same Tooth?

We have it drilled into our heads since we are children that we need to brush our teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time, floss once a day, and see our dentist for professional cleanings as recommended. However, many people don’t do this. 

Not taking proper care of your teeth can lead to you having multiple cavities in the same tooth. However, you could also get multiple cavities in the same tooth even if you brush and floss religiously. This can often happen if you have a sweet tooth or a fondness for soft drinks or acidic foods or beverages.

Other factors that increase your risk of tooth decay include:

• Dry mouth
• Dehydration
• Smoking
• Oral tobacco products
• Excessive alcohol use
• Bruxism
• Genetics

For instance, you could have a cavity near your gumline because of your fondness for diet cola and a cavity between two teeth because you either don’t floss or don’t floss correctly.

What To Do If You’re Concerned About Cavities

If you have any concerns about your likelihood for developing cavities, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist. 

Often when we get cavities, we’re disappointed but not necessarily surprised. We can usually think of why we got the cavities, whether because we really aren’t flossing daily or because we have an addiction to our daily cup of coffee. 

However, in other cases, you can be shocked and confused, because you swear you take amazing care of your teeth. Usually, talking with your dentist about potential reasons for your cavities can uncover what likely happened. For instance, maybe you take melatonin gummies after brushing your teeth or perhaps while you floss, you are not flossing correctly.

Some people are more prone to cavities than others. Talking with your dentist helps you to uncover and understand your risk factors, as well as what can be done in order to prevent future cavities.

Generally speaking, if you want to prevent cavities, you want to brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and see your dentist as recommended, usually every 6 months. You also want to stick to a healthy diet and stay hydrated. Following your dentist’s recommendations for any tooth decay factors can help you prevent multiple cavities in the same tooth.

Are You Concerned About Cavities?

Eric Felt Dental is here to help! Contact us today to schedule a dental cleaning and let us help you keep your teeth as healthy as possible. 

Acid reflux is common, with about 20% of Americans suffering from GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). When stomach acid comes up into your esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in your chest known as heartburn. Exposure to stomach acid can lead to adverse symptoms, including tooth erosion. As such, it’s important to do what you can to protect your teeth from acid reflux.

What Causes Acid Reflux? 

Doctors aren’t always sure what causes acid reflux. There are some common causes. You can experience it later in life even if you never have before. It can occur in families due to similar diets and eating habits.

Some common causes of acid reflux include:

• Stomach abnormalities. 
• Pregnancy.
• Smoking.
• Being overweight.

Certain foods are known to trigger acid reflux symptoms. These include:

• Citrus fruits
• Fried foods
• Fatty foods
• Alcohol
• Carbonated beverages
• Caffeine
• Spicy foods
• Chocolate
• Tomatoes
• Garlic
• Onions
• Mint

Eating too close to bedtime or lying down right after eating can lead to acid reflux. So can wearing tight-fitting clothes, taking aspirin or ibuprofen, and overeating.

What Does Acid Reflux Do To Your Teeth?

When people experience heartburn, they’re most focused on that burning sensation in their chest. They may also have a sour or bitter taste in their mouth. They may regurgitate what they ate, exposing their throat and teeth to stomach acid. 

While people who suffer from acid reflux are often most concerned with the damage the exposure to stomach acid does to the esophagus, it can also damage your teeth. 

Stomach acid is extremely erosive. It can eat away at your tooth enamel and cause long-term damage. Unfortunately, enamel loss is permanent. It weakens your teeth and increases your risk for tooth decay. It also makes your teeth more sensitive to temperatures and sweets. Over time, tooth erosion from acid reflux can lead to thin, sharp, and pitted teeth.

Can Your Dentist Tell If You Have Acid Reflux?

Your dentist may be able to tell if you have acid reflux if you have enamel erosion on your molars or the backside of your teeth. 

If your acid reflux is a new development or has yet to cause damage like this, tell your dentist. They will be able to provide you with personalized advice on what you can do in order to protect your teeth. 

It is important to see your dentist every 6 months in general. If you suffer from heartburn, it is especially important to ensure that you are seeing your dentist as recommended. Once the enamel is gone, you cannot get it back. While you can get restorations like veneers or crowns, it’s best to protect your teeth however you can. 

Ways To Protect Your Teeth With Acid Reflux

There’s no need to panic just yet – just because you have acid reflux does not mean you cannot protect your teeth from erosion. Some of the best things that you can do to protect your teeth are as follows.

#1. Talk To Your Doctor

You especially want to do this if heartburn is a persistent, ongoing problem for you. Your doctor will be able to help you figure out specific parts of your lifestyle that could be worsening your symptoms. They may prescribe medication or recommend medical treatment options. In rare cases, you may be a candidate for surgery. Your doctor will be able to help you determine the best course of treatment for you.

#2. See Your Dentist As Recommended

Typically, this is every 6 months. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent appointments depending on your specific circumstances. While most people don’t like going to the dentist, it’s essential in order to address problems before they get the chance to escalate into severe conditions. Filling a cavity is better than losing a tooth and having to get an implant, after all.

#3. Adjust Your Lifestyle As Needed

There are general guidelines that people with heartburn and reflux diseases are given to improve and control their symptoms. Some of these include:

• Losing weight if you are overweight.
• Avoiding tight-fitting clothes
• Avoiding foods and drinks that trigger reflux
• Quitting smoking
• Avoiding eating several hours before bed
• Staying upright for several hours after eating

#4. Don’t Brush Your Teeth Immediately After Experiencing Reflux

Instead, wait an hour or so. This is because acid weakens your enamel. If you were to brush your teeth right away, you could end up causing further damage to your teeth. Instead, you can rinse your mouth with water. You may dissolve baking soda in this water to neutralize the acid.

#5. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

This includes brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time, flossing once a day, and seeing your dentist as recommended. Your dentist may have specific recommendations to help you protect your teeth, such as using a fluoride mouthwash. 

Your dentist may also make recommendations like wearing a mouthguard at night or fluoride treatments. In order to determine the best course of action for you, it’s best to consult with your dentist and your doctor.

Let Us Help You Protect Your Teeth

We here at Eric Felt Dental are here to help you keep your teeth strong and healthy as can be. If you need advice on how to care for and protect your teeth, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment. 

When playing sports, there are many objects, other people, and tools that can cause injuries. Those playing contact sports will need to wear a mouth guard to protect their teeth and maintain their oral health. Wearing a mouth guard while playing sports can actually help you save money and feel confident in your smile.

Eric Felt D.D.S. offers sports mouthguards for patients to help protect their adult teeth. Custom-made mouthguards are the most effective method for protecting your smile and comfortably fitting your mouth. In this blog, you will learn more about the benefits of mouthguards for athletes. 

1- Protect Your Teeth From Getting Knocked Out

The most obvious benefit of wearing a well-fitting mouthguard is preventing knocked-out or chipped teeth while playing sports. Getting hit in the face with a ball, falling, getting shoved, jumping, or other strong movements can lead to the loss of teeth. Athletes need mouthguards to help keep your teeth secure in your gums and prevent the need for a visit to the dentist. 

2- Prevent Gum Damage While Wearing Braces

For young teens, getting braces is almost a normal part of puberty and teenage life. Playing sports may not seem to interfere with sports, but braces can cause cuts, or bruises inside your mouth when bumped or rubbed the wrong way. Athletes need mouthguards that are fitted around braces to prevent them from cutting up the soft tissue inside the mouth. While cuts from wires and brackets may not seem that bad, they can be painful and lead to infection in your mouth if not cared for in a timely manner. 

3- Save Money And Time On Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can be extensive and cost a lot of money. Dealing with dental emergencies also means getting to a dentist in a timely manner to prevent too much blood loss. Dental emergencies are never convenient, but dealing with them during the middle of a game or late at night can complicate things. Wear a mouthguard to help prevent the need for emergency dental visits and save money on the procedures. 

4- Avoid Injury To Lips, Cheeks, And Tongue

Your teeth are very strong and can cut through food and other substances easily. While your brain normally stops you, often when you are not paying attention your teeth can bite into your tongue, lip, or cheek and cause bleeding and cuts. This can be dangerous when enough force is applied and could even sever your tongue. Athletes need mouth guards to help prevent talking and eating struggles from unnecessary injuries while playing contact sports. Wearing a mouth guard can help prevent your sharp teeth from causing injury to fleshy parts of your mouth. 

5- Prevent Concussions

Wearing a helmet will be the first line of defense against concussions, but a well-fitting mouthguard will help absorb the shock of a fall or hit. A mouthguard will help limit the movement of the jaw and protect against damaging concussions, which is a very popular occurrence in sports. When playing sports athletes need mouthguards and safe helmets. 

Mouth Guards With Eric Felt D.D.S. 

Playing sports can be dangerous but many people enjoy the physical exercise, adrenaline rush, and the comradery which outweigh the risks. Eric Felt D.D.S. wants to help keep sports fun and safe for your teeth. Oral health is important while still playing sports. Taking action to have a well fitted mouthguard and keep it clean will ensure you have a great smile. 

Prevent the need for stitches, dental procedures, or fake teeth by properly caring for your teeth during sports and after the game is over. Eric Felt D.D.S. offers dental cleanings, tooth extractions, root canals, teeth whitening, dental crowns, dentures, and more. Contact our team to get schedule your first appointment today.