Cavities are common, but they don't have to be for you. Discover what causes cavities, how to treat them, and what you can do to prevent them so you can keep your teeth happy and healthy for years to come.

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Cavities are common, but they don't have to be for you. Discover what causes cavities, how to treat them, and what you can do to prevent them so you can keep your teeth happy and healthy for years to come.
Cavities, also known as dental caries, are areas of decay in the tooth. They're pretty common and can be treated quickly. In fact, as the National Institutes of Health points out, the only condition more common than cavities and tooth decay is the common cold.
When it comes to cavities, plaque is your main culprit. This sticky biofilm of bacteria continually forms on your teeth and feeds on the sugars in the foods you eat and liquids you drink. The bacteria in plaque releases acid, and the stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth, which damages the tooth's enamel through the loss of calcium and phosphate. This process is known as demineralization and can cause white spots to form on the tooth's surface. These tiny openings in the tooth's enamel represent the first stage of cavities.
If allowed to progress, the acid and bacteria will then begin to impact the next layer of the tooth called dentin. Dentin is made of microscopic tubules, and without the protective covering of the enamel, these tubules allow hot, cold, acidic, and sticky foods to stimulate the nerves inside the tooth, causing tooth sensitivity and pain.
If not stopped, plaque will work through the tooth until it reaches the inner tooth material, known as the pulp. This soft tissue at the center of your tooth contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. When the bacteria infect the pulp, a tooth abscess can occur, which causes severe toothaches, extreme temperature sensitivity, pain when biting, fever, and even swelling in the face or cheeks.
If you recognize any signs of a cavity, you should make an appointment with your dentist immediately. Despite wild internet claims, you can't get rid of a cavity on your own. A dental professional can only treat cavities, and your treatment will depend on the level of tooth decay.
The good news is that you can avoid painful tooth decay and costly cavity treatments by taking preventative measures. Take care of your teeth by following these steps:
Although cavities are common, they don't have to be common for you. Knowing how cavities are formed and what you can do to prevent them is a significant first step towards maintaining your oral health. Put these preventative oral care habits in place now and take care of your teeth for years to come.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.