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

Humana group medical plans are offered by Humana Medical Plan, Inc., Humana Employers Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., Humana Health Plan, Inc., Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc., Humana Health Plan of Ohio, Inc., Humana Health Plans of Puerto Rico, Inc. License # 00235-0008, Humana Wisconsin Health Organization Insurance Corporation, or Humana Health Plan of Texas, Inc., or insured by Humana Health Insurance Company of Florida, Inc., Humana Health Plan, Inc., Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc., Humana Insurance Company, Humana Insurance Company of Kentucky, or Humana Insurance of Puerto Rico, Inc. License # 00187-0009, or administered by Humana Insurance Company or Humana Health Plan, Inc. For Arizona residents, plans are offered by Humana Health Plan, Inc. or insured by Humana Insurance Company. Administered by Humana Insurance Company.

Go365^® is not an insurance product. Not available with all Humana health plans.

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 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. Arizona residents insured by Humana Insurance Company. 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 are insured by Humana Insurance Company, The Dental Concern, Inc., or Humana Insurance Company of New York, or Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc. Arizona residents insured by Humana Insurance Company. 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.

Life Insurance Plans

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

The website is maintained outside of New York state and the insurer is not authorized to transact the business of insurance in New York.

View a complete list of the legal entities that offer, underwrite, administer or insure insurance products and services.

Limitations and exclusions

Our health benefit plans, dental plans, vision plans, and life insurance plans have exclusions, limitations and terms under which the coverage may be continued in force or discontinued. Our dental plans, vision plans, and life insurance plans may also have waiting periods. For costs and complete details of coverage, call or write Humana or your Humana insurance agent or broker.

Individual applications are subject to eligibility requirements.

Before applying for group coverage, please refer to the pre-enrollment disclosures for a description of plan provisions which may exclude, limit, reduce, modify or terminate your coverage. View plan provisions or check with your sales representative.

For group plans, please refer to your Benefit Plan Document (Certificate of Coverage/Insurance or Summary Plan Description/Administrative Services Only) for more information on the company providing your benefits.

Statements in languages other than English contained in the advertisement do not necessarily reflect the exact contents of the policy written in English, because of possible linguistic differences. In the event of a dispute, the policy as written in English is considered the controlling authority.

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

Smile, you've got options

Does good dental hygiene affect more than your teeth?