All About Cavities
- Cavities can affect people of all ages.
- Tooth decay occurs when foods containing sugars and starches are left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth digest these foods, turning them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth, creating holes in the teeth called cavities.
- Tooth decay is one of the most common of all disorders, second only to the common cold.
- Signs of tooth decay are visible pits or holes in the teeth.
- Cavities are usually painless until they grow very large and affect nerves or cause a tooth fracture.
- If a cavity is left untreated, a tooth abscess can develop.
- Complications include discomfort or pain, fractured tooth, inability to bite down on tooth, tooth abscess or tooth sensitivity.
- The tooth surface feels soft when probed by your dentist with a dental instrument.
- X-rays can also show cavities before they become visible to the eye.
- In advanced stages of tooth decay, you might experience a toothache, especially after consuming sweet, hot, or cold foods or drinks.
- Tooth decay occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as breads, cereals, milk, soda, fruits, cakes, or candy are left on the teeth.
- Sticky foods are more harmful than non-sticky foods because they remain on the surface of the teeth.
- Frequent snacking increases the time that acids are in contact with the surface of the tooth.
- Chewy, sticky foods (such as dried fruit or candy) are best if eaten as part of a meal rather than as a snack to help prevent cavities.
- Recession of the gums can expose tooth roots to plaque and become more prone to tooth decay.
- Sugary food cravings in pregnant women can make them more vulnerable to developing cavities.
- The best way to prevent tooth decay is brushing twice a day, flossing daily and going to your regular dental check ups.
- Eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks that are high in sugar are also ways to prevent decay.
- Avoid constant sipping of sugary drinks or frequent sucking on candy and mints.
- Flossing everyday is the best way to remove food debris from in between the teeth.
- Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouth rinse after brushing or eating can aid in cavity prevention.
- Chewing certain sugarless gums can actually help to prevent cavities by increasing the flow of saliva in your mouth.
- Visiting your dentist for regular check ups and cleanings are a key factor in preventing cavities and staying on top of good oral hygiene.
- In many cases, if cavities can be detected early, the tooth decay process can be stopped or reversed.
- Dental sealants protect teeth from getting a cavity by shielding against bacteria and plaque.
- Treatment may involve fillings, crowns or root canals.
- Treatment often saves the tooth. Early treatment is less painful and less expensive than treatment of extensive decay.
- If decay is not extensive, the decayed portion of the tooth is removed by drilling and replaced with a filling made of silver alloy, gold, porcelain, or a composite resin.
- If the tooth decay is extensive and there is limited tooth structure remaining, crowns will be used.
- If a crown is needed, the decayed or weakened area of the tooth is removed and repaired and a crown is fitted over the remainder of the tooth.
- Crowns are made from gold, porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal.
- If the decay causes the nerve or pulp of the tooth to die, a root canal will be performed.
- During a root canal, the center of the tooth is removed along with the decayed portions of the tooth. The roots are then filled with a sealing material.