Cavities In Teeth
Cavities In Teeth
What you need to know about Cavities In Teeth
A cavity is a hole that develops in your tooth, commonly known as tooth decay. Cavities start off small and get bigger over time if untreated. It may be difficult to recognise a problem because many cavities don’t initially hurt. Early tooth decay can be detected with routine dental visits.
The BDA lists tooth decay and cavities as some of the most prevalent medical conditions throughout the United Kingdom. Cavities can affect everyone who has teeth, even infants.
It might surprise you to learn that you have a cavity. This is especially true if you consider your oral hygiene regimen to be effective. Even if your dentist informs you of this, there are ways to treat a cavity and stop new ones from forming.
Symptoms Cavities In Teeth
The extent of the decay determines the symptoms of a cavity. They consist of:
- Sensitive teeth
- A Toothache
- An obvious gap in your teeth
- White or black stains on your teeth
Diagnosis
Typically, your dentist can identify tooth decay by:
- Enquiring about teeth sensitivity and pain
- Inspecting your teeth and mouth
- Using dental tools to look for soft spots on your teeth
Examining dental X-rays, which can demonstrate the degree of deterioration and cavities, your dentist will also be able to tell you whether you have a root, pit and fissure, or smooth surface cavity.
Causes
Plaque, a material that adheres to teeth and is sticky, is what causes tooth cavities. Plaque is composed of:
- Bacteria
- Saliva
- Acid
- Food particles
Everyone’s mouth contains microorganisms. After consuming sugar-containing meals or beverages, microorganisms in your mouth convert the sugar to acid. After consuming anything sugary, plaque begins to build on your teeth. This is why it’s crucial to brush frequently.
Plaque adheres to your teeth, and its acid can gradually wear away tooth enamel. Your teeth’s enamel, a firm, protective coating, guards against tooth decay. The danger of rotting rises as your tooth enamel ages.
Everyone is susceptible to cavities, although some people are more at risk than others. Risk elements consist of:
- Eating and drinking too many sweet or acidic items
- A bad oral hygiene habit, like not brushing or flossing every day
- Receiving insufficient fluoride
- Dry mouth
- Eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia
- Acid reflux disease, which can cause stomach acid to erode the enamel of your teeth
According to the NHS, cavities tend to form more frequently in back teeth. These teeth feature holes and grooves that can catch food debris. Additionally, when cleaning and flossing, it can be challenging to reach these teeth.
Complications
If a tooth cavity is not addressed, it may result in a number of issues. These consist of:
- Persistent toothache
- A tooth abscess, which when infected can result in sepsis or other potentially fatal complications such as an infection that enters the bloodstream.
- Pus accumulation around an infected tooth
- A higher chance of teeth breaking or chipping
- Having trouble chewing food
By delaying visiting the dentist, you run the risk of causing irreversible damage to your teeth. Your dentist must now extract the tooth and replace it with an implant or bridge in order to treat the cavity.
When to call a Dentist
You most likely have a cavity if you can visually see that a hole has developed in or on your tooth. Having an opening in the enamel of your tooth gives bacteria a chance to enter and promote tooth decay, even if the hole is not yet a cavity. Visit your dentist as soon as you notice a hole in your tooth.
Treatment
Inform your dentist of any bothersome symptoms, such as toothache or sensitivity. Following an oral examination, your dentist can detect tooth deterioration. If you don’t currently have a dentist, the Pure Medical Find a Dentist feature can suggest possibilities in your neighbourhood. However, a dental examination may not reveal all cavities. Therefore, to check for decay, your dentist could use a dental X-ray.
Options for treatment vary with severity. There are various methods for treating cavities.
Tooth fillings
A dentist removes decaying material from a tooth using a drill. After that, your dentist will fill your tooth with anything from composite resin, to silver, or gold.
Crowns
Your dentist might replace your tooth’s natural crown with a custom-fit cap if the deterioration is more severe. Before beginning this operation, your dentist will remove any deteriorated tooth material.
Root canal
Your dentist will perform a root canal to save your tooth if tooth decay kills your nerves. They take out your tooth’s decaying parts as well as the nerve and blood vessel tissues. Then, after looking for any infections, your dentist treats the roots as necessary with medicines. Finally, the tooth is filled, and a crown may be applied.
Treatment of an early stage cavity
A fluoride treatment may rebuild your tooth enamel and stop additional decay if your dentist finds a cavity in the early stages.
Coping with Pain
Pain and discomfort can be greatly increased by cavities and tooth decay. While you are waiting for your dentist appointment, you might wish to research techniques to relieve irritation. There are a few things you can do, per the Mayo Clinic, to manage discomfort momentarily:
- Continue to practise good dental hygiene. Continue to brush and floss your mouth, paying special attention to any delicate areas.
- Consider using over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers. Ask your dentist if you can use over-the-counter anaesthetics.
- Watch your diet. When eating or drinking, avoid meals that are too hot or cold.
Preventing Cavities In Teeth
Although tooth decay is a frequent dental issue, you can lower your risk by following these steps:
- Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice daily.
- According to the British Dental Association, floss at least once per day.
- Consume fewer sugary and acidic foods, such as refined carbs, juice, sweets, and soda.
- Limit between-meal snacks.
- Think about having dental sealants applied to your teeth.
Eat these foods to prevent tooth decay:
- Fruits and vegetables high in fibre
- Foods high in calcium
- Sugarless chewing gum with xylitol
- Green or black tea without sugar
- Water containing fluoride
Additionally, remember to go to the dentist for routine dental check-ups at least twice a year. This enables you to receive treatment for any issues your dentist finds and will aid in averting further dental issues.