Cavities/Tooth Decay

Cavities are small openings or holes in the hard surface of your teeth that are permanently damaged. Cavities, also known as tooth decay or caries, are caused by a number of reasons, including germs in the mouth, frequent snacking, drinking sugary beverages, and not brushing your teeth thoroughly.

Cavities and dental decay are two of the most common health issues worldwide. Children, teenagers, and older persons are more susceptible. Cavities can affect anyone with teeth, including infants.

Cavities that aren’t addressed become larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth if they aren’t treated. They can cause a lot of pain, infection, and tooth loss. Your best defense against cavities and tooth decay is regular dental appointments and proper brushing and flossing routines.

Cavities have different signs and symptoms based on their size and location. You may not have any symptoms at all when a cavity is just getting started. As the deterioration progresses, it may produce symptoms such as:

• Toothache, often known as “spontaneous pain,” is discomfort that happens for no apparent reason.
• Sensitive teeth.
• Pain that ranges from mild to severe while eating or drinking something sweet, hot, or cold.
• Teeth with visible holes or pits.
• Any surface of a tooth might be stained brown, black, or white.
• When you bite down, it hurts.

Cavities and tooth decay are so widespread that it’s easy to overlook them. You might also believe that cavities in children’s infant teeth are unimportant. Cavities and dental decay, on the other hand, can have catastrophic and long-term consequences, even in children who do not yet have permanent teeth.

Cavity complications might include:

• Pain
• Tooth abscess
• Swelling or pus around a tooth
• Damage or broken teeth
• Chewing problems
• Positioning shifts of teeth after tooth loss

When cavities and decay become severe, you may have:

• Pain that interferes with daily living
• Weight loss or nutrition problems from painful or difficult eating or chewing
• Tooth loss, which may affect your appearance, as well as your confidence and self-esteem
• In rare cases, a tooth abscess — a pocket of pus that’s caused by bacterial infection — can lead to more serious or even life-threatening infections

Cavities and tooth decay can be avoided with good oral and dental care. Here are some helpful hints for avoiding cavities. Inquire with your dentist about the best tips for you.

• Brush with fluoride toothpaste after eating or drinking: Brush your teeth with fluoride-containing toothpaste at least twice a day, ideally after each meal. Floss or use an interdental cleaner to clean between your teeth.
• Rinse your mouth: If your dentist believes you have a high risk of cavities, he or she may advise you to use a fluoride mouth rinse.
• Visit your dentist regularly: Get expert dental cleanings and oral exams on a regular basis to help avoid or detect problems early. Your dentist can advise you on the optimal timetable for you.
• Drink some tap water: Most public water supplies have added fluoride, which can help reduce tooth decay significantly. If you drink only bottled water that doesn’t contain fluoride, you’ll miss out on fluoride benefits.
• Avoid frequent snacking and sipping: Whenever you eat or drink beverages other than water, you help your mouth bacteria create acids that can destroy tooth enamel. If you snack or drink throughout the day, your teeth are under constant attack.
• Eat tooth-healthy foods: Some foods and drinks are more beneficial to your teeth than others. Brush immediately after eating items that get lodged in the grooves and pits of your teeth for long periods of time. Saliva flow is increased by foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, while unsweetened coffee, tea, and sugar-free gum help wash away food particles.
• Consider fluoride treatments: Our dentist may suggest fluoride treatments on a regular basis if you aren’t getting enough fluoride through fluoridated water or other sources. If your risk of tooth decay is really high, he or she may additionally propose special trays that fit over your teeth for the application of prescription fluoride.

Tooth decay is frequently detected by your dentist by:

• Inquiring about dental sensitivity and pain.
• Examining the inside of your mouth and teeth.
• Checking for soft spots on your teeth with dental equipment.
• Examining dental X-rays to determine the number of cavities and deterioration.

Your dentist will also be able to tell you if you have a smooth surface cavity, a pit and fissure cavity, or a root cavity.

Regular dental checkups help detect cavities and other oral issues before they produce bothersome symptoms or worsen into more serious issues. The sooner you seek treatment, the higher your chances of reversing and preventing dental decay in its early stages. If you cure a cavity before it becomes painful, you won’t need significant therapy.

Cavity treatment is determined by the severity of the cavity and your specific circumstances. There are several treatment options available, including:

Fluoride treatments: If a cavity has only recently begun, a fluoride treatment may be able to help restore your tooth’s enamel and even reverse a cavity in its early stages. Fluoride levels in professional fluoride treatments are higher than those found in tap water, toothpaste, and mouth rinses. Fluoride treatments can be applied to your teeth as a liquid, gel, foam, or varnish, or they can be placed in a little tray that fits over your teeth.

Fillings: When decay has advanced beyond the first stages, fillings, also known as restorations, are the primary therapeutic option. Fillings can be composed of a variety of materials, including tooth-colored composite resins, porcelain, or a mixture of elements called dental amalgam.

Crowns: A crown – a custom-fitted covering that replaces your tooth’s whole natural crown — may be required if you have considerable decay or weakened teeth. Your dentist removes all of the decaying region as well as enough of the remaining tooth to guarantee a proper fit. Gold, high-strength porcelain, resin, porcelain fused to metal, and other materials can be used to make crowns.

Root canals: You may need a root canal if decay has reached the interior material of your tooth (pulp). Instead of extracting a seriously damaged or infected tooth, this procedure repairs and saves it. The infected pulp of the tooth is removed. To treat any infection, medication is occasionally injected into the root canal. The pulp is then replaced by a filling.

Tooth extractions: Some teeth get so badly decaying that they are unable to be repaired and must be removed. A tooth extraction might leave a gap in your mouth, allowing your other teeth to shift. Consider obtaining a bridge or a dental implant to replace the missing tooth if at all possible.