Although there are many things that can’t reverse or heal a Cavity, you can stop tooth decay in its tracks by avoiding sugary drinks and snacks, brushing your teeth, and getting regular dental exams.
What is a Cavity?
Cavities (say: KA-vuh-tees) are holes that develop on your child’s teeth, usually on the chewing surfaces of back teeth or in between them. These cavities are caused by food particles left on the tooth that bacteria (plaque) digest, releasing acid that softens the hard enamel of your child’s teeth, eventually creating a hole or decay. Over time this can be very damaging to your child’s tooth, causing pain and/or infection. A cavity that is not treated will only get bigger and deeper.
How Do Cavities Develop?
There are a few factors that affect how long it takes for cavities to develop. The main one is how much sugar you consume and how often you brush and floss. People who consume high amounts of sugar and do not brush or floss regularly tend to get cavities more easily.
Bacteria in the mouth that eat sugary or starchy foods produce acid that erodes the hard, outer layer of teeth (called enamel). This erosion can lead to tooth decay and ultimately a cavity.
Some types of cavities, called pit and fissure decay, form on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars where food can become trapped. These cavities can grow faster than others as bacteria erode the enamel and reach the dentin underneath. If left untreated, cavities can cause sensitivity, pain, and even infections. The good news is that cavities can be stopped before they progress with proper oral hygiene and routine dental care.
What Are the Symptoms of Cavities?
While they occur in everyone, cavities are more common in children and teenagers. This is due to frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and poor brushing and flossing habits. In addition, certain medical conditions and medications reduce saliva flow, allowing bacteria to remain on the teeth longer.
Tooth decay can cause many problems over time, ranging from sensitivity to tooth loss. Sensitivity occurs when the enamel is worn down, exposing the dentin and stimulating the nerves inside the tooth. This can happen when eating hot, cold, sticky or acidic foods and can be very uncomfortable.
Other symptoms include a bad taste in the mouth, gum tenderness and bleeding while brushing or flossing. During regular dental visits, a dentist can spot early signs of a cavity and intervene quickly with a dental filling to prevent the cavity from affecting the pulp inside the tooth. This can save the tooth and prevent more invasive treatment in the future.
How Can I Prevent Cavities?
Cavities, also known as dental caries, are holes in the tooth’s enamel that can lead to pain and more serious problems. Prevention of cavities begins with a healthy diet and regular brushing using a fluoride toothpaste and floss. It is also recommended that patients schedule appointments with their dentists every 6 months to catch and treat decay in the earliest stages.
Foods rich in calcium, such as dairy products and dark green vegetables, help strengthen teeth. Chewing sugarless gum after meals increases saliva flow which helps wash away foods and neutralize acids that harm teeth. Oil pulling, a practice that involves swishing oil in the mouth for 20 minutes then spitting it out, reduces bacteria and plaque in the mouth and can be as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash. Genetic factors influence an individual’s susceptibility to cavities, impacting the diversity of oral bacteria and saliva composition, highlighting the importance of personalized cavity prevention strategies. Contact us for more tips and advice on how to prevent cavities.