Tooth Decay and Cavity Prevention, Understanding Cavities

Cavities: Don't put off your visit to the dentist

If you dread going to the dentist, you’re not alone. About three out of every four people are afraid of visiting the dentist, even though today most dental visits involve little, if any, pain.

But don’t let fear of the dentist put you or your child at risk for tooth decay. If your dentist treats a cavity early, drilling can be brief and nearly painless, especially with anesthetics.

Here are some key facts about dental cavities:

By age 17, roughly 78% of Americans have had at least one tooth cavity.

Approximately 15% of children and 20% of adults have untreated cavities.

Cavities can form because bacteria in your mouth produce acid when sugar is present. Drinking a sugary soda means acid is eating away at your teeth for at least 20 minutes.

A cavity may not have symptoms

The signs and symptoms of cavities and tooth decay can vary widely. When a cavity starts, you may not have any symptoms at all. That’s why regular visits to your dentist are so important. X-rays, exams and other tools can help your dentist detect the earliest stages of decay and help prevent it from getting worse.

However, if untreated, a cavity can cause:

Toothache or pain while chewing

Tooth sensitivity

Pain when eating or drinking liquids that are sweet, hot or cold

Visible holes or pits in your teeth

Make brushing a habit

The Mayo Clinic offers these tips to avoid dental cavities:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day. If you can, brush after every meal.

Take your time brushing. Make sure you do a good job, carefully brushing all of the tooth surfaces. Don’t forget your tongue and the roof of your mouth.

All you need to be a first-class brusher is fluoride toothpaste and a soft or extra-soft brush. Many people find an electric or battery-powered toothbrush keeps their teeth feeling clean.

How to brush. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, then use circular strokes to gently brush all surfaces. Don't scrub too hard—that can make your gums sore or even wear down tooth enamel over time. It’s best to brush gently for a little longer.

Keep your toothbrush clean. Always rinse it when you're done, and help it dry by storing it in the open air with the bristles up. Replace your worn toothbrush with a new one at least every three months.

Flossing is essential

Most dentists say flossing is just as important as brushing. Flossing removes food particles from between teeth and under the gums, lowering the risk of a tooth cavity or gum disease. So try to floss at least once a day.

And don’t forget, regular dentist visits are vital for preventing cavities and gum disease. So make those appointments twice a year.

Medical Plans

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Dental Plans

Humana individual dental plans are insured or offered by Humana Insurance Company, HumanaDental Insurance Company, Humana Insurance Company of New York, The Dental Concern, Inc., CompBenefits Insurance Company, CompBenefits Company, CompBenefits Dental, Inc., Humana Employers Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc., or DentiCare, Inc. (DBA CompBenefits). Discount plans are offered by HumanaDental Insurance Company, Humana Insurance Company, or Texas Dental Plans, Inc. For Arizona residents: Insured by Humana Insurance Company. For Texas residents: Insured or offered by Humana Insurance Company, HumanaDental Insurance Company, or DentiCare, Inc. (DBA CompBenefits).

Humana group dental plans are offered by Humana Insurance Company, HumanaDental Insurance Company, Humana Insurance Company of New York, Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, The Dental Concern, Inc., Humana Medical Plan of Utah, CompBenefits Company, CompBenefits Insurance Company, CompBenefits Dental, Inc., Humana Employers Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., or DentiCare, Inc. (DBA CompBenefits).

Vision Plans

Humana individual vision plans insured by Humana Insurance Company, The Dental Concern, Inc., Humana Insurance Company of New York, Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc. For Arizona residents: Insured by Humana Insurance Company. For Texas residents: Insured by Humana Insurance Company.

Humana group vision plans are offered by Humana Insurance Company, HumanaDental Insurance Company, Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Humana Insurance Company of Kentucky, Humana Insurance Company of New York, CompBenefits Insurance Company, CompBenefits Company, or The Dental Concern, Inc.

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Humana group life plans are offered by Humana Insurance Company, Humana Insurance Company of Kentucky, or Kanawha Insurance Company.

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Humana long term disability and short term disability plans are offered by Kanawha Insurance Company or Humana Insurance Company.

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Humana Cancer, Critical Illness, Accident, Hospital Indemnity, Life and Disability Income plans are insured by Humana Insurance Company, Kanawha Insurance Company, or Humana Insurance Company of New York.

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Tooth decay (cavities) causes and remedies

Cavities: Don't put off your visit to the dentist

A cavity may not have symptoms

Make brushing a habit

Flossing is essential

Great brushing starts with being gentle

Bad breath? Mints can hide it but cannot fix it

Tooth decay (cavities) causes and remedies

Cavities: Don't put off your visit to the dentist

A cavity may not have symptoms

Make brushing a habit

Flossing is essential

Great brushing starts with being gentle

Bad breath? Mints can hide it but cannot fix it

Locate the forms you need

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