Tooth Cavity: All the Things You Must Know!

Due to the prolonged damaged areas in the hard tooth surface, there is an occurrence of tiny openings or holes. These openings or holes are known as cavities or tooth decay or caries. The condition of the tooth cavity is quite common around the world and generally happen to anyone with teeth. There is a blend of different factors that lead to the very condition. Some factors that lead to the condition can be; development of bacteria in the mouth, improper cleaning & flossing of teeth, massive intake of sugary food items and drinks, etc. The condition can further lead to different underlying conditions, if not treated properly. Other complications like a severe toothache, tooth loss, and infection can occur if cavities/tooth decay is there for long. One must visit dentists regularly and take good care of oral hygiene to stay away from cavities.

Cavities Symptoms

There are different symptoms of cavities as per the severity of the condition. One might not even notice the cavities if that is not at a higher stage. However, dental checkups help in noticing them and treating them for good. Some of the common symptoms include:

• sudden pain in the tooth
• sensitivity in tooth
• noticeable hole/s in the tooth/teeth
• pain while eating something hot or cold
• brown, black or white stains on any surface of a tooth
• discomfort while biting down

What Causes Cavities?

Causes of tooth decay:

Plaque forms

Due to having starchy and sugary foods or drinks, a layer forms on the teeth, known as dental plaque. When the layer is not taken off properly, bacteria start feeding on them. Eventually, the bacteria form plaque onto it. Prolong stay of the plaque on the teeth can lead to the formation of tartar or calculus. This tartar can lie above or under the gum line. Due to the formation of tartar, it gets more difficult to remove plaque as a shield of bacteria is formed.

Plaque attacks

After the formation of plaque, the acids present in that starts to remove the minerals present in the tooth's outer enamel. This very erosion leads to openings and holes in the enamel. This is the first stage of the cavities. Afterward, the bacteria tend to reach the other layers of the teeth. In the second stage, the bacteria reach to dentin. Dentin is softer than enamel and is usually resistant to acid. At this stage, sensitivity arises as dentin is in link to the nerve of the tooth.

Further Damage

Furthermore, when the tooth decay occurs, the bacteria tend to reach deep in the tooth. And eventually, moves to the inner tooth material, pulp, which comprises of nerves and blood vessels. Once, the bacteria reaches to that level, the pulp present inside starts swelling up and gets irritated. However, due to the lack of space inside the tooth, the nerve is pressed down and the pain rises. The pain can occur to the outside of the tooth, root and even to the bone as well.

Tooth Decay Treatment

One can identify a tooth cavity by visiting the dentist regularly. One must ensure that dental visits are regular to know all the conditions of the teeth. Less the tooth cavity, less is the severity or chances of other related conditions. One must prevent the progression of a tooth cavity and treat it properly on time. Once the pain starts, the need for extensive treatment may arise. There are different treatment options, however, it is in the hand of the dentist. Only they can judge and tell about the treatment one must go for. Some of the following treatments can be suggested by the dentists.

1) Fluoride treatment

In just the beginning of the tooth cavity, a fluoride treatment can be really helpful. Also, In some early stages, it can even reverse the cavity. In professional fluoride treatments, there is more fluoride as compared to toothpaste, tap water, and mouthwashes or mouth rinses. In fluoride treatments, there can be the inclusion of liquids, gels, varnish, or foam. One of these is used to brush on the teeth or sometimes that is placed on the tray that can be fit onto the teeth.

2) Fillings

Fillings or restorations is one of the main treatments for tooth decay/cavities. When the tooth cavity surpasses the first or early stages, dentists recommend fillings. There are different types of fillings. Some are tooth-colored composite resins, dental or porcelain blend, which is a combination of different materials.

3) Crowns

When the filling is not the only option, one might need a crown. Crowning is done is the case of extensive decay. It is a custom-fit covering, which replaces the natural crown of the tooth. Dentists drill all the damaged area and cover it with the crown. There are different materials, like gold, porcelain, resin, porcelain, and metal blend, etc., which are used to make crowns.

4) RCT (Root Canal Treatment)

When the tooth decay is bad and reached to the inner material, also known as the pulp, RCT is a must. In RCT, dentists treat the tooth to repair and save the decayed tooth. It also helps in the prevention of infection to risk other teeth. In the procedure, the tooth pulp is extracted and infection is removed. The extracted pulp is replaced by the filling.

5) Tooth Extraction

When the tooth is decayed to an extent that it can not be restored, dentists recommend a tooth extraction. However, it leads to a gap in between two teeth. Thus, dental implantation is the option.