Cavities are a common dental problem among children, teenagers, and adults in the United States. They develop when the outer layer of your tooth breaks down or is damaged. Although the enamel is one of the strongest structures in the body, acid produced by bacteria in the mouth can erode it, causing damage. Over time, the damage will create a hole or weak spot in your tooth.
Many people underestimate the seriousness of cavities when they are not yet painful. However, when left untreated, a cavity can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss. In this case, you may need painful and costly procedures to repair the damage.
Early treatment and proper dental care can prevent long-term damage. Additionally, early treatment can save you from costly dental procedures. For this reason, you should understand what cavities are, their formation, and why you should take care of them. If you experience symptoms of a cavity, consult a dentist who is experienced in treating dental issues.
What are Cavities?
Cavities are permanently damaged areas on the surface of your teeth. These surfaces can develop into tiny openings or holes when left untreated. A cavity can appear in different parts of a tooth. For example, pit and fissure cavities form on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. Smooth surface cavities, on the other hand, develop on the sides of teeth. Cavities do not appear overnight. Instead, they form through a gradual process that happens in stages. These stages include:
Plaque Formation
The process of cavity formation starts when plaque forms on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film made of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. When you eat sugary or starchy foods, the bacteria in plaque feed on these sugars and multiply. The bacteria release acids that cling to the surface of your teeth.
Acid Attack on Enamel
The acid from the bacteria begins to erode your tooth enamel. The enamel is the rigid, protective outer layer of the tooth. Each time you eat or drink something sugary, the enamel loses minerals.
Enamel Breakdown
When acid continues to erode the enamel, small white or chalky spots appear on the tooth surface. These spots are an early sign of tooth decay. If you do not take care of the tooth at this point, the enamel breaks down and forms a tiny hole.
Decay Reaches the Dentin
The enamel protects other parts of the tooth. When the enamel is damaged, the decay spreads into the dentin. The dentin contains tiny tubes that connect to the tooth’s nerve. Damage to these nerves causes sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
Infection of the Pulp
If decay continues, it reaches the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When the damage reaches the pulp, you can experience severe pain and swelling. The infection may also spread to the root or surrounding tissues.
Risk Factors of Cavity Formation
Cavities can affect individuals at any stage of life. However, some individuals are at a higher risk of developing cavities than others. The following are some of the factors that increase the risk of cavities:
Poor Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene involves regularly brushing and flossing your teeth. Failure to brush or floss allows plaque to build up on your teeth. Plaque contains bacteria that produce acid, which attacks the enamel. Over time, poor oral hygiene will lead to tooth decay.
Frequent Snacking and Sugary Foods
Eating or drinking sugary snacks throughout the day provides bacteria with more fuel to produce acid. Constant exposure to sugar can cause more damage to your teeth. Sticky foods, such as candy or soda, are harmful because they cling to teeth.
Dry Mouth
Saliva helps wash away food particles from the mouth. Additionally, it can neutralize the acids that could erode the tooth enamel. Factors that could increase your risk of a dry mouth include:
- Medication
- Dehydration
- Medical conditions like diabetes
- Worn Dental Work or Cracked Teeth
Old fillings or damaged teeth can create small gaps where bacteria hide. These spaces are difficult to clean. Therefore, they allow decay to start and progress unnoticed.
Age and Gum Recession
Children and older adults are at higher risk of developing cavities. Children eat more sugar compared to adults, which increases their risk of oral health issues. On the other hand, older adults may experience gum recession. This exposes the roots of their teeth to bacteria.
Signs of Cavities
Cavities often start small, but they can show some warning signs. When you know these symptoms, you catch them early. This ensures that you seek treatment and prevent severe damage. Common signs of cavities include:
- Tooth sensitivity. When you have a cavity, you may feel pain or discomfort when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet. Sensitivity happens when decay reaches the inner layers of your tooth.
- Toothache. A constant pain in one tooth can mean that you have a cavity. The pain may worsen when you chew your food.
- Visible spots or holes. One of the early symptoms of cavities is the appearance of white or black spots on your teeth. In some cases, the enamel may have broken down.
- Bad breath. Bacteria from decaying teeth can cause foul breath. Therefore, if you experience persistent bad breath despite brushing and using mouthwash, you may have a cavity.
- Pain when chewing. If you experience pain when chewing or biting, a cavity may have weakened your tooth's structure.
Why Should You Take Care of Cavities?
Some people ignore cavities and wait for their next dental appointment to address them. Beyond simple tooth decay, untreated cavities can lead to serious oral health issues. You should seek immediate treatment when you notice a cavity. Taking care of the cavity in the early stages can help prevent the following issues:
Toothache and Sensitivity
If you fail to address a cavity properly, you can suffer from a toothache and sensitivity. When the decay is deeper in the tooth, it can affect the nerves. This can cause significant pain that impacts your daily life. Additionally, you may experience discomfort when consuming hot or cold foods.
Persistent pain is a sign that the cavity has reached the dentin or pulp layer of the tooth. At this point, the damage cannot heal on its own. When you fail to treat the cavity, the pain may intensify. Constant pain can make it difficult for you to eat, speak, or concentrate.
Infection and Abscess Formation
When tooth decay enters the pulp, bacteria can cause an abscess. This is a small pocket of pus that forms near the root of the tooth. An abscess can cause pain and swelling in the jaw or face. In severe cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. When left untreated, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause life-threatening conditions.
Your dentist may recommend antibiotics if you have both a cavity and an abscess. If the infection persists, the dentist may recommend a root canal to remove the infected pulp.
Tooth Loss
Another reason you should take care of a cavity as soon as you notice it is to prevent tooth loss. If the cavity further destroys the tooth structure, it will weaken the tooth. After a while, the tooth may crack or fall out. Tooth loss is also possible if an infection damages the roots and supporting bone.
Losing a tooth not only affects your smile. It also changes the alignment of your remaining teeth. Over time, missing teeth can lead to difficulties with chewing and even deterioration of the jawbone. Replacing a lost tooth often requires expensive and lengthy procedures, such as:
- Dental implants
- Bridges
- Dentures
Gum Disease and Bone Damage
Untreated cavities can impact your gums and the bone that supports your teeth. The bacteria that cause tooth decay can spread below the gum line. The infection can result in gum inflammation or periodontal disease. Symptoms of periodontal gum disease may include:
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Receding gums
When gum disease progresses, it can destroy the bone and tissue that support your teeth. The bone destruction can lead to tooth loss and damage to the jawbone. In advanced stages, gum disease becomes more challenging to treat. In this case, you may require surgical procedures, such as a bone graft, to address the issue. When you address cavities in the early stages, you can protect your gums and jawbone from potential damage.
Bad Breath and Unpleasant Taste
Cavities contain bacteria that produce foul-smelling gases. The bacteria can multiply and cause permanent bad breath if the decay worsens. The odor that occurs from decay and cavities may not disappear even after brushing or flossing your teeth. The only way to eliminate this problem is to address the cavity. When you consult your dentist, they can remove the decayed tissue and restore your tooth to its original condition.
Overall Health Problems
Untreated cavities can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream. The bacteria can produce inflammation. Also, it can increase your risk of developing the following conditions:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes complications
- Respiratory infections
Taking Care of Cavities
Addressing tooth cavities stops the decay from spreading. Additionally, it protects your teeth from further damage. When a cavity forms, it does not heal on its own. However, with proper treatment and excellent oral habits, you can manage it effectively. Furthermore, you can prevent new cavities from developing. Common ways through which you can take care of a cavity include:
Visiting Your Dentist Regularly
The first step is to address a cavity or to consult with your dentist. Dentists use several methods to diagnose cavities. During your appointment, the dentist will begin by visually observing the tooth. The dentist will examine the teeth for visible holes or rough spots. Occasionally, the dentist may use a dental explorer to check for soft spots on the enamel. In most cases, a smooth area on the enamel may signify decay.
The dentist will use an X-ray for a detailed examination of the tooth. X-rays can help detect cavities that are hidden between teeth. Also, they can show the extent of the tooth damage. Some dentists use advanced tools, such as laser fluorescence, for assessments.
These devices can help catch cavities in their first stages. This makes it easier to treat them and avoid complications. The dentist can also recommend the appropriate treatment once they determine the size and degree of the cavity. Your dentist can recommend fillings for small cavities. The dentist will clean out the tooth and fill the hole to restore its shape and function. For deeper cavities, you may need a crown.
Watch Your Diet
You can address cavities by limiting your intake of sugary foods. These foods create a conducive environment for bacteria to thrive. The bacteria generate more acid that damages your teeth. Instead, you should eat more calcium-rich foods. These include milk, yogurt, and leafy green vegetables. Additionally, it is recommended that you drink a lot of water. Clean water rinses away food particles and acids from your mouth.
Get Regular Dental Checkups
You should not wait for your cavities to worsen before seeking dental care. Instead, you should see your dentist every six months for cleanings and exams. During these checkups, the dentist can determine how bacteria have developed and how to treat them before they become inflamed.
Find Reliable Dental Services Near Me
A cavity, or tooth decay, starts small and can quickly become a serious problem if left untreated. You may be at an increased risk of developing cavities if you have poor oral hygiene or underlying medical conditions. If you neglect a cavity, it can lead to severe oral health complications. These include abscess, severe pain, foul breath, and tooth loss. Therefore, you just address the cavities as soon as you notice their early signs.
When a cavity forms, seek prompt treatment to prevent further damage and save your tooth. Taking care of the cavity will ensure good oral health and protect your overall health. If you have a cavity, consult your dentist for an assessment and treatment.
At Los Angeles Advanced Dentistry, we provide safe and reliable dental care services to our clients in Los Angeles, CA. Contact us at 310-361-2080 to book your appointment.
