Most people are aware of the risks caused by cavities, also known as dental caries. But the problem is far more widespread than it seems. Untreated dental caries in permanent teeth is the most common oral health condition among many. Without timely treatment, a cavity can lead to discomfort, tooth pain, and more severe dental issues including tooth loss.
The good news is that there are several ways to prevent cavities and stop tooth decay from getting worse. By understanding how cavities develop, making simple dietary changes, and exploring various treatment options, you can safeguard your family’s oral health and make cavities a thing of the past while keeping your mouth healthy.
What is a Cavity?
A cavity is a hole or area of damage in the hard surface of your tooth. Cavities are formed when bacteria in your mouth interact with refined sugars and fermentable carbohydrates. This melding of sugars and bacteria promotes acid production. The acid can promote demineralisation or the loss of protective calcium and phosphate in your teeth’s enamel. Cavities can form when enamel weakens and dentin is exposed. This can reach the inner layers of the tooth making them chip or crack.
Over time, if the damage goes untreated, it can grow deeper, leading to pain or sensitivity. A tooth cavity can form in various areas of the tooth, such as on the tooth surfaces, between teeth, or near the gumline.
What Causes Cavities?
If you are wondering what causes cavities, there are many factors. A tooth cavity can develop due to various reasons that contribute to the damage of tooth enamel. Here are some of the major causes of cavities:
Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly and properly can allow plaque (the sticky film of bacteria) to build up on teeth. Over time, the acids in plaque can erode the enamel, leading to cavities.
Lack of Fluoride: Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. A lack of fluoride can make teeth more vulnerable to tooth decay.
Dry Mouth: Saliva helps wash away food particles and neutralise acids, reducing the risk of cavities. Dry mouth can be caused by factors like dehydration, medications, or certain health conditions.
Frequent Snacking: Eating frequently, especially sugary snacks, gives bacteria a steady supply of food to produce acids. This constant acid production increases the risk of decay.
Exposed Tooth Roots: Cavities can also occur if the root of your tooth is exposed due to receding gums. Tooth roots lack the protective enamel found on the crown, making them more prone to decay, particularly in older adults.
Types of Cavities
A cavity can develop in different areas of the tooth, each with unique characteristics and treatment requirements. Here are the different types of cavities and where they occur:
Smooth Surface Cavities: They are among the different types of dental cavities and form slowly due to poor oral hygiene. They develop on the flat, smooth sides of the teeth, often between the teeth where they touch.
Pit and Fissure Cavities: These cavities form on the chewing surfaces. Decay can also develop on the front surface of your back teeth. Pit and fissure cavities are often seen in children and teens.
Root Cavities: They occur on the exposed roots of the teeth. They are more common in people with receding gums or gum disease and can progress quickly due to the softness of the root surfaces.
Symptoms of Tooth Cavities
Tooth cavities develop on the outer enamel without displaying any symptoms at first. However, as the decay progresses, you may experience several noticeable signs. Here are some of the most common symptoms of a tooth cavity:
Tooth Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks is a common symptom of cavities. You may feel a sharp pain or discomfort when consuming these items.
Toothache: A persistent or occasional toothache is often a sign of advanced decay. The pain may range from mild to severe and can occur spontaneously or when biting down.
Visible Holes or Pits on the Teeth: Cavities can create visible holes or dark spots on the surface of the tooth. These may be easier to spot on the front teeth or molars.
Tooth Discolouration: Decay can cause discolouration of the affected tooth. It may first appear as white spots. With its advancement, the stain can become darker to brown or even black.
Bad Breath: The buildup of bacteria in a decayed tooth can lead to persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
What is Cavity Treatment?
Cavity treatment refers to the process of dealing with tooth decay to restore your oral health. Dental professionals use various methods to treat cavities, depending on the severity of the decay and the condition of the tooth. Common treatments include removing the decayed area, repairing the damage with fillings or crowns, and, in severe cases, performing root canals or extractions.
Regular dental checkups and proper treatment of teeth cavity can help you manage and maintain your long-term oral health. However, if you want to strengthen your tooth enamel, you may use fluoride toothpaste or resort to dentist-administered fluoride treatments.
Types of Cavity Treatment Methods
While proper treatment of teeth cavity involves the removal of the decayed portion of the tooth, there are other methods as well. The right cavity treatment is decided based on the extent of the decay and the condition of the affected tooth. Below are some of the most common cavity treatment options.
Dental Fillings
Dental filling is a common treatment for cavities. A filling often suffices if the decay has not reached your tooth’s pulp or nerve. The process usually involves your dentist, who will most likely remove the decay and cover the hole with an amalgam filling or composite resin. Fillings restore the tooth’s shape and functionality while preventing further decay.
Crowns
When a cavity is too large for a filling, dental crowns may be used to restore the tooth. A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire tooth, protecting it from further damage and providing long-term strength. Crowns are often made from porcelain, ceramic, or metal.
Root Canal
If the decay has spread to the pulp or nerve of the tooth, causing pain or infection, you may need a root canal. Your dentist will conduct an examination to determine how badly the nerve is affected. They may perform a root canal if your tooth’s pulp is damaged or when the nerve is moderately or severely infected or irritated. This procedure involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it with a filling.
Tooth Extraction
In cases where the tooth is severely damaged or beyond repair, tooth extraction becomes the only option left. Tooth extraction involves removing the affected tooth to prevent the decay from spreading to neighbouring teeth. The gap left by the extracted tooth can be replaced with an implant, bridge, or denture to restore functionality.
