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Cavities will not go away on their own. Treatment is necessary to repair the damage and prevent the cavity from expanding and leading to more decay
Cavities will not go away on their own. Treatment is necessary to repair the damage and prevent the cavity from expanding and leading to more decay.
How are cavities treated?
Damage to the enamel (superficial layer of the teeth) may be repaired with fluoride treatments. Deeper damage to the dentin (layer of teeth under the enamel) and dental pulp (deepest tissue of the teeth that contains nerves and blood vessels) may require dental fillings or a root canal after removing the decayed part of the tooth.
In severe cases, when even the pulp cannot be saved, the tooth may need to be extracted. You may need to get a bridge or an implant to replace the extracted teeth.
What are symptoms of cavities?
While a cavity may not cause symptoms in the initial stages, you may notice the following as the decay spreads deeper into the tooth:
- Visible dental pits
- Toothache and tooth sensitivity
- Pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sugary foods
- Painful bite
- Tooth discoloration
What causes cavities?
Dental cavities are common and can be caused by:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Lack of brushing
- Lack of flossing
- Frequent snacking
Who is at risk of developing cavities?
Cavities are common in children and teenagers. Older people are also at higher risk of developing cavities due to progressive wear and tear on teeth and receding gums.
Other risk factors include:
- Acidic and sugary foods: Foods that stick to your teeth such as milk, ice cream, sugar, soda, dried fruit, and candies are more likely to cause decay because they cannot be easily washed away by saliva.
- Tooth location: Cavities are more common in the back teeth (molars and premolars) because these teeth are harder to reach and clean.
- Frequent snacking: Snacking throughout the day means that your mouth contains more acidity and bacteria, which can promote decay.
- Dry mouth: Saliva helps wash out trapped food particles and clear plaque from teeth. Lack of saliva or dry mouth creates a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Damaged dental fillings: Plaque buildup in damaged dental fillings can cause decay. That’s why it’s important to visit your dentist at least one time a year for a check-up.
- Heartburn: Heartburn caused by disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease may cause stomach acid to flow in your mouth. This can erode tooth enamel and expose your teeth to bacterial infection, which can lead to cavities.
- Eating disorders: Eating disorders such as bulimia are associated with vomiting, which can cause stomach acids to erode tooth enamel.
Can cavities cause complications?
Apart from causing tooth pain, cavities can cause long-lasting complications if left untreated. Complications of cavities may include:
- Tooth abscess (pus-filled pockets in tooth)
- Swollen gums
- Broken teeth
- Tooth loss
- Difficulty chewing
- Weight loss
- Poor nutrition
- Halitosis
How to prevent cavities
- Floss regularly. Flossing removes plaque and trapped food particles that a toothbrush can't reach. You can use a variety of tools:
- Dental floss or pick
- Floss threader
- Water flosser
- Wooden or silicone wedge plaque remover
- Tiny brushes that reach in between the teeth
- Clean your tongue. Clean your tongue with a tongue cleaner or scraper after you have finished brushing your teeth.
- Avoid toothpicks. Avoid the use of toothpicks because these can hurt your gums and allow the growth of bacteria in your mouth.
- Quit smoking. Tobacco not only stains your teeth but also can damage your gums and enamel.
- Eat a healthy diet. Avoid foods that get stuck in the gaps and pits of your teeth. Limit your intake of sugary or acidic foods, and make sure to brush after eating them.
- Consider fluoride treatments. Your dentist may recommend periodic fluoride treatments, especially if they suspect that you are not getting enough fluoride from fluoridated drinking water and other sources.
- Ask about antibacterial treatments. If you have a medical condition such as diabetes that increases your risk of tooth decay, ask your dentist if they can recommend special antibacterial mouth rinses or other treatments.