Tooth Decay & Cavity Treatment

Dental cavities, often referred to as tooth decay or cavities, are small but significant issues that can lead to lasting damage. In this blog post, we’ll reveal what dental cavity is, their symptoms, causes, potential consequences of untreated cavities, and most importantly, how to prevent them.

What is a dental cavity?

Dental cavities are small gaps or holes that form on the hard surface of your teeth and constitute lasting damage. Cavities, also known as tooth decay or caries, are brought on by several things, such as germs in your mouth, frequent eating, consuming sugary beverages, and not brushing your teeth thoroughly.

Tooth Decay Symptoms

Cavity symptoms differ based on their extent and position. Early on, no symptoms may occur. As decay progresses, you might experience:

• Toothache or sudden pain
• Sensitivity
• Discomfort with sweet, hot, or cold foods
• Holes or pits on teeth
• Stains (brown, black, white)
• Pain while biting

Causes of Tooth Decay

1. Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque buildup, leading to decay.
2. Plaque Formation: Bacteria in the mouth create acids that erode enamel and cause cavities.
3. Poor Diet: Frequent consumption of sugary or acidic foods and drinks fuels decay-causing bacteria.
4. Lack of Fluoride: Insufficient fluoride weakens enamel’s ability to resist acid attacks.
5. Dry Mouth: Reduced saliva production fails to neutralize acids and protect teeth.
6. Genetics: Genetic factors can influence susceptibility to cavities.
7. Age: Children and older adults are more prone to decay due to weaker enamel.
8. Tooth Anatomy: Deep crevices and pits can trap food and bacteria, increasing decay risk.
9. Medical Conditions: Certain diseases and treatments can impact oral health.
10. Tobacco and Alcohol Use: These substances contribute to decay and gum disease.
11. Grinding and Clenching: Excessive teeth grinding wears enamel and promotes decay.
12. Lack of Dental Care: Infrequent dental visits prevent early detection and treatment.

Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are crucial for preventing tooth decay.

What happens if a cavity goes untreated?

Untreated cavities can lead to a range of issues, including increased deterioration in your tooth and, eventually, tooth loss.

If you do not treat a cavity, you may experience:

• Chewing discomfort that intensifies with time
• Increasing sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet meals.
• Swelling caused by germs accessing your tooth’s pulp
• In addition to these types of suffering, keeping a cavity untreated may entail a root canal or possibly tooth extraction.

A root canal operation allows you to maintain your tooth without having to replace it, but it is more expensive than merely filling your cavity.

If the damage is allowed to develop too far, you will need to have the tooth out. If a tooth is taken without being replaced, it might result in bone loss and harm to neighboring teeth.

Furthermore, tooth replacement, whether by a bridge, denture, or permanent dental implant, may be a time-consuming and costly operation.

In summary, the best method to keep your dental health is to practice proper oral hygiene at home and visit your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings. Furthermore, by seeing your dentist regularly, you can detect early indicators of decay.

Can cavities be treated?

While you’re waiting for your dentist appointment, you can be in a lot of discomfort. Check with your doctor to see if it’s OK to take over-the-counter pain relievers. Additionally, you can:

• Use warm water to brush your teeth.
• Use sensitive-tooth toothpaste.
• Hot, cold, or sugary meals and beverages should be avoided.

The severity of the cavity determines the treatment. The dentist will usually use a drill to remove the decaying area of your tooth. To heal the tooth, you have a few options:

Filling: Your dentist will cover the hole with a filling consisting of composite resin, silver alloy, gold, or porcelain. These substances are secure. Allergies to fillings rarely occur, even though certain individuals worry about amalgams, which consist of mercury.

Dental Crowns: When a tooth is so severely decayed that there isn’t much good enamel remaining, dentists apply crowns. A crown consisting of gold, porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal will be fitted over the remaining portion of the tooth once the damaged portion has been removed and repaired.

Root canal: If the root or pulp of your tooth is dead or wounded in a way that cannot be restored, you may require a root canal. The nerve, blood vessels, and tissue, as well as the decaying areas of the tooth, are extracted by the dentist. They use a sealing substance to fill up the gaps around the roots. A crown may be required to cover the filled tooth.

Can tooth cavities be fixed?

Utilizing fluoride from toothpaste or other sources, as well as minerals from saliva, enamel may heal itself. But as tooth decay progresses, more minerals are lost. The enamel weakens and disintegrates with time, creating a hollow. A filling is required by a dentist to fix a cavity, that is lasting damaged.

How can I avoid getting cavities?

To prevent cavities and maintain good oral health, follow these essential steps:

1. Brush sensibly: Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice daily. Brush your teeth and gums for at least two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush, being sure to cover all of the surfaces.
2. Daily Flossing: Your toothbrush might not be able to reach the areas between your teeth and along the gum line where food particles and plaque are present.
3. Continue to Eat Well: Eat and drink less of the sweet and acidic things. Pick wholesome foods like fresh produce, whole grains, lean meats, and dairy items.
4. Drink Water: Water aids in washing away germs and food particles. Fluoridated water is another way to strengthen teeth.
5. Use Fluoride: Choose fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and makes teeth more resistant to decay.
6. Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Chewing sugar-free gum can help promote saliva production, which helps teeth remineralize and neutralize acids, especially after meals. Saliva also helps flush out toxins from the body.
7. Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and professional cleanings. Dental exams can catch issues early.
8. Limit Snacking: Frequent snacking exposes teeth to constant acid attacks. Try to stick to scheduled meals and avoid sugary or acidic snacks between meals.
9. Stop Smoking: Gum disease and cavities are made more likely by smoking. Your dental and general health may benefit from quitting.
10. Protect with Mouthguards: If you grind your teeth or play contact sports, use appropriate mouthguards to prevent tooth damage.
11. Teeth-Healthy Habits: Avoid using teeth as tools, like opening packages, to prevent chipping or cracking.

By practicing good oral hygiene and making smart lifestyle choices, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing cavities and maintain a healthy smile.

Make an Appointment Today to Maintain Your Oral Health

Frequent dental check-ups are crucial to halt and even reverse tooth decay. Even without decay signs, routine cleanings can prevent its onset.

We welcome new patients, and we look forward to getting to know you and assisting you in safeguarding your dental health for years to come. Book a dental appointment now for healthier teeth and smiles at +90 (536) 934 6524.