Cavities are the holes in your teeth caused by multiple factors. Maybe because of bacteria in the mouth, consumption of sugar drinks, and snacking often, but failure to clean the teeth.
Cavities are a significant health issue suffered by many people. Once the cavity develops, the dentist is the right person to address it.
To avoid filling cavities, one must take care of teeth and practice oral hygiene.
People of all ages can be affected by cavities, from infants, kids, teenagers, and adults to older adults.
More than 80% of Americans will suffer from at least one cavity before they reach 30.
Causes For Cavities
Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar particles that we consume And convert carbohydrates into acids.
Bacteria in the mouth, acid, food, and saliva combine to form plaques and coat the teeth.
Plaque acids dissolve tooth enamel and create holes or cavities if you don’t brush properly.
Types Of Cavities
There are three types of cavities.
- Smooth Surface: slow-developing cavities dissolve enamel; you can avoid it or reverse it by brushing, flossing, and dental cleaning.
Usually, people in their 20’s will start this type of tooth decay.
- Pit and Fissure decay: starts at the top part of the chewing Surface. Usually starts at teenagers and develops quickly.
- Root decay: Root decay is more common in older adults.
Gum recession exposes the tooth’s root to plaque and acid. Root decay is difficult to treat.
Signs and Symptoms of Cavities
The signs and symptoms vary based on their location and stage. When the cavity starts, you will not notice any symptoms. If the decay progresses, signs and symptoms will worsen.
- Toothache is sudden and continuous pain that begins without any particular cause
- Sensitivity of the tooth
- Mild to sharp pain will appear after drinking or eating something sweet, cold, or hot foods
- There are pits and holes in the tooth
- The appearance of brown, Black, or white stains on any surface of the tooth
- You can feel the pain when you bite something.
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Swelling gums
How are cavities diagnosed?
It is best practice to get a dental checkup done twice a year. If you identify cavities early, you can save your tooth.
When the dentist examines your tooth, a tooth with cavities will feel much softer. Dental X-rays also will be done.
How can cavities be managed or treated?
Treatment will depend on the severity of tooth decay.
Cavity Treatment includes
- Fluoride treatment: when you identify the cavities early, fluoride treatment helps to repair tooth enamel. The process is called remineralization.
The dentist will prescribe toothpaste along with fluoride treatment at the dental clinic.
- Filling: if the hole forms in the tooth, dentists drill out the decayed material and fill the hole with silver amalgam or composite resin, or gold
- Root canal: A root canal treats pain from the root; an endodontist is a person who treats the source; in this case, the pulp will be removed, which has never ended, and is responsible for pain.
Tooth extraction: An extraction is necessary if root canal treatment is impossible.