Cavities usually occur in the teeth of children and young adults, but they can happen at any age. Cavities are a common cause of tooth loss in young people.
Cavities - Causes
Cavities are the result of two primary factors: bacteria in the mouth and a high-sugar and starch diet. Because of how these two elements work together, cavities are characterized as a dietobacterial disease.
Bacteria + sugar leads to plaque and tartar
The mouth’s normal bacteria combine with food pieces and saliva to form plaque. Plaque is a sticky, invisible substance that accumulates quickly. Sugar- or starch-rich foods make plaque stickier. If plaque stays on the teeth for more than a few days, it gets harder and becomes a hard substance called tartar.
Cavities form when bacteria in plaque and tartar convert sugar into acid. The acid dissolves tooth enamel. After the enamel is worn away, the acid reaches the next layer of the teeth. This layer, called dentin, is softer and susceptible to acid. The bacteria and acid continue to work their way through the tooth, creating a bigger and bigger hole.
Symptoms
There are often no symptoms of cavities. If there are symptoms, they usually do not appear until the tooth decay has reached the dentin level. If tooth decay reaches the next level, the pulp, you may experience a severe toothache, tooth sensitivity, and pain when biting.
* Symptoms of cavities at any stage include:
- Tooth pain, especially after having sweet, hot, or cold foods and drinks
- Visible pits or holes in the teeth. Cavities on the front teeth are the easiest to see and will look like a brown or black spot. Cavities in other parts of the mouth are often not visible without an X-ray.
* Treatment
Treatments for cavities/tooth day include fillings, crowns, and root canals.
* Fillings
Dentists do fillings by removing the decayed tooth material with a drill and replacing it with silver alloy, gold, porcelain or composite resin. Many dentists consider silver alloy and gold to be stronger than porcelain or resin, but because these materials are quite visible, dentists usually only use them on back teeth. Front-tooth cavities usually are filled with porcelain or composite resin, which more closely matches the tooth’s natural appearance.
* Crowns or caps
These are used if tooth decay is more extensive, the tooth is weakened, and there is little remaining tooth structure. The decayed or weakened area is removed and a crown is fitted over the remainder of the tooth. Crowns are usually made of gold, porcelain, or porcelain attached to metal.
* Root canal
Root canals are done if decay or injury has killed the nerve in the tooth. The decayed area and the center of the tooth, including the pulp, are removed. The root is filled with a sealing material, the tooth is filled, and a crown is usually applied.
Cavities Prevention
Just as there are two factors that cause cavities, there are two main factors to preventing them: oral hygiene and diet change.
Good oral hygiene includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing at least once, having a professional teeth cleaning every six months, and having X-rays and an dental exam annually to detect cavity development.
Reducing the amount of sugar — especially sugary drinks and juices — can help prevent cavities. You may consider brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth after eating sticky foods. Minimizing snacking, avoiding constant sipping of sugary drinks, and not sucking on candy or mints can all help, too, because they produce a constant supply of acid in the mouth.
Dental sealants may help prevent cavities and are most frequently applied to the teeth of children after their molars come in. Sealants are thin, plastic-like coatings on the surface of the molars that prevents the accumulation of plaque.
Fluoride is another cavity-prevention strategy. It can be consumed in drinking water or as a supplement. Topical fluoride is frequently applied as part of routine dentist visits. Your dentist may also prescribe a fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash.
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