We Know: All About Cavities and Tooth Decay What are cavities? Cavities, also known as caries, are the second most commonly occurring condition behind the common cold. Cavities are brownish colored holes or pits on the surface of the tooth that are caused by plaque deposits and tartar build-up. Cavities lead to tooth decay and damage to the tooth's structure. What causes tooth decay? The bacteria in our mouths convert the sugars and starches from the foods we eat into acid. The acid combines with the food, bacteria, and saliva in the mouth to form a sticky substance known as plaque, which can form on teeth as soon as 20 minutes after eating. Plaque sticks to teeth, especially above the gum line on the back molars. When plaque is not removed from teeth, it hardens into a substance called tartar. Tartar and plaque erode the enamel and form cavities in the teeth. This leads to tooth decay and becomes more painful as the damage progresses. If left unchecked, tooth decay can damage the pulp, nerves, and root of the tooth, leading to the permanent loss of teeth. How are cavities detected? Cavities and tooth decay are primarily detected upon a visit to the dentist for your check-up. When a cavity is found, the goal is to keep as much of the tooth structure intact as possible after the cavities are removed. Before the dentist performs any oral procedure, he or she will anaesthetize the area using a local anaesthetic such as Novocain, or use laughing gas or nitrous oxide for more difficult cases (like children). They will then drill and remove the cavity or damaged tooth pulp. The missing tooth structure is replaced with a filling of gold, silver, plastic resin, or porcelain. If there is significant damage that results in a larger portion removed, the tooth will be filled and covered with a cap or crown to prevent the larger filling from fracturing. When tooth decay results in nerve damage, dentists will perform a procedure called a root canal in which the nerve, center, and blood vessels of the tooth are removed. The earlier the cavity is found, the less painful and expensive the dental procedures will be. What happens if I don't treat cavities? Untreated cases of cavities and tooth decay can result in: Abscesses of the tooth Pain Sensitivity of the tooth to extremes of hot and cold Inability to eat or bite down Breakage of the tooth Loss of the tooth How can I prevent cavities and tooth decay? Practicing good oral hygiene helps prevent the formation of cavities and tooth decay. Good oral hygiene involves Flossing your teeth daily Brushing your teeth twice a day Visiting your dentist regularly, every six months for cleaning and check-ups Using topical fluoride (in rinses or in toothpaste) to protect your teeth Avoid chewing sweet and sticky foods that can stick to the teeth and cause cavities. Also, avoid snacking too much during the day. The more you snack, the more your teeth are exposed to acid, which reacts with other substances in the mouth to form plaque. Dentists may recommend that children receive dental sealants. Dental sealants are plastic substances that are painted to the grooves of the molars and dried. Sealants prevent the formation of cavities on the grooves.
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