Dental cavities

Dental cavities are holes (or structural damage) in the teeth.

Causes

Tooth decay is a common disorder, second only to the common cold . It usually occurs in children and young adults, but it can affect anyone. Tooth decay is a common cause of tooth loss in younger people.

Common cold

The common cold most often causes a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. You may also have a sore throat, cough, headache, or other symptoms....

Image

 

Read Article Now Book Mark Article

Bacteria are normally found in your mouth. These bacteria change foods, especially sugar and starch, into acids. Bacteria, acid, food pieces, and saliva combine in the mouth to form a sticky substance called plaque. Plaque sticks to the teeth. It is most common on the back molars, just above the gum line on all teeth, and at the edges of fillings.

Plaque that is not removed from the teeth turns into a substance called tartar, or calculus. Plaque and tartar irritate the gums, resulting in gingivitis and periodontitis .

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums.

Image

 

Read Article Now Book Mark Article

Plaque begins to build up on teeth within 20 minutes after eating. If it is not removed, tooth decay will begin.

The acids in plaque damage the enamel covering your teeth. It also creates holes in the tooth called cavities. Cavities usually do not hurt, unless they grow very large and affect nerves or cause a tooth fracture. An untreated cavity can lead to an infection in the tooth called a tooth abscess . Untreated tooth decay also destroys the inside of the tooth (pulp). This requires more extensive treatment, or possibly removal of the tooth.

Tooth abscess

A tooth abscess is a buildup of infected material (pus) in the center of a tooth. It is an infection caused by bacteria.

Image

 

Read Article Now Book Mark Article

Carbohydrates (sugars and starches) increase the risk of tooth decay. Sticky foods are more harmful than non-sticky foods because they remain on the teeth. Frequent snacking increases the time that acids are in contact with the surface of the tooth.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are one of the main nutrients in our diet. They help provide energy for our body. There are three main types of carbohydrates found i...

Image

 

Read Article Now Book Mark Article

Symptoms

There may be no symptoms. If symptoms occur, they may include:

• Tooth pain or achy feeling, particularly after sweet or hot or cold foods and drinks
• Visible pits or holes in the teeth

Exams and Tests

Most cavities are discovered in the early stages during routine dental checkups.

A dental exam may show that the surface of the tooth is soft.

Dental x-rays may show some cavities before they can be seen by just looking at the teeth.

Treatment

Treatment can help prevent tooth damage from leading to cavities.

Treatment may involve:

• Fillings
• Crowns
• Root canals

Dentists fill teeth by removing the decayed tooth material with a drill and replacing it with a material such as silver alloy, gold, porcelain, or composite resin. Porcelain and composite resin more closely match the natural tooth appearance, and are preferred for front teeth. Many dentists consider silver amalgam (alloy) and gold to be stronger, and these materials are often used on back teeth. There is a trend to use high strength composite resin in the back teeth as well.

Crowns or "caps" are used if tooth decay is extensive and there is limited tooth structure, which may cause weakened teeth. Large fillings and weak teeth increase the risk of the tooth breaking. The decayed or weakened area is removed and repaired. A crown is fitted over the remainder of the tooth. Crowns are often made of gold, porcelain, or porcelain attached to metal.

A root canal is recommended if the nerve in a tooth dies from decay or injury. The center of the tooth, including the nerve and blood vessel tissue (pulp), is removed along with decayed portions of the tooth. The roots are filled with a sealing material. The tooth is filled, and a crown is needed in most cases.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Treatment often saves the tooth. Treatment is less painful and less expensive if it is done early.

You may need numbing medicine and prescription pain medicines to relieve pain during or after dental work.

Nitrous oxide with local anesthetic or other medicines may be an option if you are afraid of dental treatments.

Possible Complications

Dental cavities can lead to:

• Discomfort or pain
• Fractured tooth
• Inability to bite down on tooth
• Tooth abscess

  Tooth abscess

  A tooth abscess is a buildup of infected material (pus) in the center of a tooth. It is an infection caused by bacteria.

  

  Image

   

  Read Article Now Book Mark Article
• Tooth sensitivity

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your dentist if you have any tooth pain or discomfort .

See your dentist for a routine cleaning and exam if you have not had one in the last 6 months.

Prevention

Oral hygiene is necessary to prevent cavities. This consists of regular professional cleaning (every 6 months), brushing at least twice a day, and flossing at least daily. X-rays may be taken yearly to detect possible cavity development in high-risk areas of the mouth.

It is best to eat chewy, sticky foods (such as dried fruit or candy) as part of a meal rather than alone as a snack. If possible, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after eating these foods. Limit snacking, since it creates a constant supply of acid in your mouth. Avoid constant sipping of sugary drinks or frequent sucking on candy and mints.

Dental sealants can prevent some cavities. Sealants are thin plastic-like coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars. This coating prevents the buildup of plaque in the deep grooves on these surfaces. Sealants are often applied on the teeth of children, shortly after their molars come in. Older people may also benefit from tooth sealants.

Fluoride is often recommended to protect against tooth decay. People who get fluoride in their drinking water or by taking fluoride supplements have less tooth decay.

Topical fluoride is also recommended to protect the surface of the teeth. This may include a fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash. Many dentists include application of topical fluoride solutions (applied to a localized area of the teeth) as part of routine visits.