Key Takeaways:
- Cavities are holes in teeth caused by bacterial acid eroding enamel.
- Symptoms include toothache, sensitivity, visible holes, and pain when biting.
- Types of cavities: pit and fissure, smooth surface, root, and recurrent decay.
- Causes include plaque buildup, sugary foods, poor hygiene, dry mouth, and bacteria.
- Prevention: Brush, floss, use fluoride, limit sugar, stay hydrated, and visit your dentist regularly.
- Treatment requires professional care to remove decay and restore the tooth.
What Are Cavities?
What comes to mind when you think of cavities? Holes in the teeth? You are right! Cavities, or dental caries, are the name given to damage to the surface of your teeth. Tooth decay is usually the result of erosion of tooth enamel by acids produced by the bacteria in your mouth. This is what creates holes in the teeth. Understanding what causes cavities and tooth decay can help you prevent them and maintain good oral health.
How do you know if you have a cavity? Common cavity symptoms include the following.
- Toothache
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Holes or pits in your teeth
- Brown, black, or white staining on the tooth surface
- Pain while biting down
If you notice these symptoms, see a dentist immediately for treatment and prevention of further damage.
Types of Cavities
Pit and Fissure Cavities
Location: Pit and fissure cavities are usually seen on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars).
Your back teeth or molars are particularly susceptible to accumulation of food particles and bacteria due to their complex surface. Pit and fissure cavities form when food particles and bacteria accumulate in the deep grooves and crevices of your molars.
Smooth Surface Cavities
Location: As the name suggests, smooth surface cavities form on the flat, smooth surfaces of the teeth or between two teeth.
Smooth surface cavities take longer to develop than pit and fissure cavities. Poor oral hygiene and consumption of sugary foods and drinks may contribute to or accelerate their formation.
Root Cavities
Location: Root cavities form on the roots of teeth, often in case of receding gums.
Root cavities are often seen in older adults and people with gum disease. Receding gums expose the softer root surface which may develop cavities.
Recurrent Decay (Secondary Cavities)
Location: Recurrent decay is the name given to decay that recurs around existing fillings and crowns.
Recurrent decay affects the edges of existing dental work. This is typically the result of poor oral hygiene or breakdown of the previous dental work over time.
Primary Causes of Cavities
You can prevent cavities if you know what causes them and follow preventive measures. Here is a look at the common causes of tooth decay.
1. Plaque formation
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that keeps building up on the teeth. It needs to be removed regularly. Failure to do so will allow plaque to harden and become tartar, which causes tooth decay.
2. Sugary and acidic foods and drinks
The bacteria in plaque feed on sugars, releasing acids. These acids cause the tooth’s outer layer (enamel) to erode. Frequent consumption of sugary and acidic foods leaves teeth vulnerable to cavity formation.
3. Poor Oral Hygiene
Lack of regular or proper brushing and flossing allows plaque buildup. Poor oral hygiene and oral care neglect can lead up, and speed up tooth decay and gum disease.
4. Dry Mouth
Saliva in the mouth helps to neutralize acids and flush out food particles, preventing bacterial action and acid production. Some medications and health conditions may reduce saliva flow. This can increase the risk of cavities.
5. Bacteria and Acid Production
Bacteria in the mouth convert sugars into acid. This acid damages tooth enamel, causing demineralization and finally, decay.
Other Contributing Factors
Several factors can contribute to cavity formation. These include:
- Tooth Location and Structure: Back teeth are harder to clean due to their location and complex structure. Food particles in molars may trap food particles, leaving them vulnerable to decay and cavities.
- Age and Genetics: Children and seniors are more likely to develop cavities. Some people may be genetically predisposed to weaker enamel or higher bacteria levels, leaving them more susceptible to cavities.
- Frequent Snacking: Frequently consuming sugary foods and drinks increases exposure to acid attacks. These attacks damage the enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay.
Prevention of Cavities
If you are wondering how to remove a cavity from teeth, know that cavities can be prevented but their removal requires professional treatment. If you want to maintain your pearly whites and protect them from cavities, it is important to know about prevention methods. The following strategies are effective in cavity prevention.
1. Practice good oral hygiene practices – brushing and flossing. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Flossing should be done daily to remove food particles lodged between the teeth. This will help to remove any plaque between and on the surface of teeth.
2. Limit the intake and frequency of sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
3. Use fluoride treatments to strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to acid attacks.
4. Ask your dentist for dental sealants. These sealants help to protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth from cavities.
5. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps to wash away food particles and bacteria.
6. Chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production, which can neutralize acids.
7. Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings. Regular check-ups can help to spot any early signs of decay and address them before they can cause further damage.
It is important to remember that while these preventive measures are effective, once a cavity forms, it cannot be reversed without professional tooth decay treatment. A dentist will need to remove the decayed part of the tooth and fill the tooth to restore its function and appearance.
Conclusion
Learning about the causes and types of cavities as well as how to prevent cavities is vital to maintaining good oral health. Being aware of the factors that cause tooth decay can help you take proactive steps to protect your teeth, gums and smile.
Adopting a consistent oral hygiene routine, making smart dietary choices, and scheduling regular dental check-ups are your biggest defenses against cavities. These steps can ensure healthy, cavity-free teeth for years to come.
Don’t wait to spot a tooth with a cavity or cavity symptoms to take action. Start implementing these preventive measures today with a consultation with an experienced dentist at the Art of Dentistry. Email info@artofdentistry.com or call 416-927-7677 right away.
Dr. Sol Weiss is a renowned cosmetic dentist based in Toronto, celebrated for his exceptional skills, specialized training, and extensive experience in delivering aesthetic dental solutions. With a distinguished career spanning various media appearances and educational roles, including a former Assistant Professor of Dentistry position at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Weiss has earned a reputation as a leading authority in cosmetic dentistry. His dedication to excellence, active involvement in professional organizations, and commitment to staying at the forefront of dental advancements make him a sought-after expert in North America. Leveraging advanced techniques, such as Invisalign and teeth whitening, Dr. Weiss transforms smiles, allowing his patients to achieve their dream smiles with precision and artistry.