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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What Causes Cavities? What You Need to know About Cavity Formation, Treatment and Prevention
Cavities, also known as dental caries, are areas of decay in the tooth. They're pretty common and can be treated quickly. The South African Dental Association (SADA) points out that the most common oral diseases are dental cavities and periodontal disease. In fact, 60-90% of children worldwide have dental cavities.
How Do Cavities Form?
When it comes to cavities, plaque is your main culprit. This sticky biofilm of germs continually forms on your teeth and feeds on the sugars in the foods you eat and liquids you drink. The germs in plaque release 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 demineralisation 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 germs will then begin to impact the next layer of the tooth, called dentin. Dentin is made of microscopic tubules. 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 left untreated, plaque will work through the tooth until it reaches the inner tooth material, known as the pulp. This soft tissue at the centre of your tooth contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. When germs 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.
How Do You Treat Cavities?
If you recognise 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. Only a dental professional can treat cavities, and your treatment will depend on the level of damage to your tooth.
- Remineralisation. Your saliva contains the many minerals needed to help replace the calcium and phosphorous lost from your tooth's enamel in the earliest stages of tooth cavities, which allows the enamel to repair itself. However, you can boost remineralisation through the use of fluoride, which combines with calcium and phosphate ions to make the tooth enamel stronger and more resilient. A dental hygienist can apply a fluoride treatment at your next appointment to help reverse the early effects of tooth cavities.
- Restoration. As the tooth cavity progresses, it may require restorative treatment. The dental professional will remove all the damaged tooth material and then fill the cleaned-out cavity with a tooth restoration, such as a filling. If the damaged area is too great and there's not enough tooth remaining, your dentist may recommend a crown to cover or cap the damaged tooth.
- Root canal. When your tooth's pulp becomes damaged, you may need a root canal. This procedure will allow you to keep a badly damaged tooth instead of removing it. The dental professional will remove the pulp, clean the pulp chamber, and replace it with a filling.
- Removal. If the tooth is severely affected by the cavity, restoration may not be possible and it will likely need to be removed. The dentist may recommend a bridge or dental implant to replace the missing tooth after your tooth extraction is complete.
How Do You Prevent Cavities?
The good news is that you can avoid painful tooth cavities and costly treatments by taking preventative measures. Take care of your teeth by following these steps:
- Implement a proper at-home oral hygiene routine. Cavity prevention starts at home. Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and don't forget to floss daily. If you would like additional protection, you can also try a fluoride mouthwash. Consider eating a low-sugar diet, while keeping an eye on the number of acidic foods and beverages you consume.
- Visit the dentist regularly. As no symptoms are associated with the early stages of cavity formation, you should see a dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and examination. Your dentist and dental hygienist can identify trouble spots and help you prevent a tooth cavity before it becomes severe. Your dentist or dental hygienist can also apply dental sealants, a protective plastic coating for the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of your teeth. This can prevent germs from collecting in these hard-to-reach areas.
- Eat tooth-healthy foods. Try to fill your plate with whole foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins. It is also good to limit sweetened beverages and sugary snacks that can fuel the cavity-forming process. Avoiding frequent snacking and drinks other than water throughout the day also helps prevent repeated issues with your teeth from acid-creating germs.
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.
