What is a Dental Cavity?

Tooth cavities, also known as cavities, are defects that occur when the acid in the mouth erodes the tooth enamel. This condition can happen to anyone. A correct oral care routine is effective in preventing tooth cavities or cavities.

Although dental caries is more common in children, it can occur at any age. The reason why it is more common in children is that they cannot brush their teeth properly and they consume more sugary and acidic foods and beverages than adults. Sometimes new bruises may develop in adulthood on the edges of bruises that were developed and treated in childhood. This causes the formation of plaques that cause cavities in the lower parts of the teeth.

What are the Types of Dental Cavities (Caries)?

Dental caries can affect all layers of a tooth. It can take up to three years for caries to develop in the strong outer layer of tooth enamel. The formed caries rapidly progresses through the middle layer, the dentin, towards the innermost layer, the pulp. In the pulp region, there are nerve endings of a tooth and vessels that provide blood flow. Tooth decay can be observed in the following ways:

• Smooth Surface (tooth enamel wear) Decay: This gap, which starts in the surface layer of the tooth, dissolves the tooth enamel. With a proper oral care routine and the habit of using dental floss, you can prevent this gap before it progresses. These types of gaps can be observed between the teeth, usually in the 20s.
• Pit and Fissure (recesses on the upper and lateral surfaces of the tooth) Caries: These are the spaces formed on the upper part of the chewing surface of the tooth. These cavities can also affect the anterior surface of the posterior teeth. Pit and fissure caries usually begin in the teenage years and progress rapidly.
• Root Decay: Root decay is more common in older adults, especially those with gingival recession. Gum recession causes tooth roots to be exposed to acid and plaque. Root rot is more difficult to prevent and treat than others.

What Causes Tooth Cavities (Tooth Decay)?

Many different reasons play a role in the development of bruises. Tooth cavities are as follows:

1. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugary, starchy foods and drinks (fruit, candy, bread, cereal, sodas, juice, and milk). Bacteria convert these carbohydrates into acids.
2. Bacteria, acid, food and saliva mix to form plaque. This sticky substance coats the teeth.
3. Without proper brushing and flossing, the acids in plaque dissolve tooth enamel, creating cavities or holes.

Certain habits and external factors can increase your risk of tooth decay. These:

• Sjogren's syndrome causing dry mouth or use of antidepressants
• Consuming sugary, starchy foods or drinks and snacking between meals
• Genetic predisposition to dental caries
• Radiation therapy, specifically to treat head and neck cancer
• gum recession

What Are the Symptoms of Dental Caries and How Is It Diagnosed?

Tooth decay on the outer enamel surface usually does not cause pain or symptoms. You are more likely to experience symptoms as the decay progresses towards the dentin and root. The symptoms of cavities in the teeth are:

• Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• Bleeding gums or other signs of gum disease
• swelling of the face
• Toothache
• Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold food or drink
• Redness around or inside the mouth

Twice-yearly dental checkups are the best way to catch cavities early when your dentist can save most of the tooth. Your dentist will use a variety of instruments to examine your teeth. A decayed tooth will feel softer when your dentist examines it. You can also take a dental X-ray. X-rays show cavities before decay is seen.

How Are Tooth Decays Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of the tooth decay. Possible treatment types of cavities in teeth are as follows;

• Fluoride: When caries is caught early, fluoride treatments can repair tooth enamel. This process is called remineralization. You may need prescription toothpaste and mouthwash and fluoride treatments at the dental office.
• Fluoride: When caries is caught early, fluoride treatments can repair tooth enamel. This process is called remineralization. You may need prescription toothpaste and mouthwash and fluoride treatments at the dental office.
• Root Canal Treatment: Root canal treats pain caused by root rot. During this procedure performed by endodontists, your dentist removes the pulp containing the nerves that cause pain.
• Tooth Extraction: In cases where root canal treatment is not possible, your dentist may consider it appropriate to extract the tooth. You may need a dental implant to replace the extracted tooth. Thanks to implants, you can prevent your teeth from slipping due to gaps and prevent your bite quality from decreasing.

If tooth decay is left untreated for a very long time, a large part of the tooth may be lost and may need to be extracted. Advanced dental caries can lead to a serious infection (tooth abscess) inside the tooth and under the gums. This infection can spread throughout the body. Although rare, a dental abscess infection can be fatal.

How To Prevent Tooth Cavity (Decay)?

Proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, can get rid of cavities-causing plaque and acids. For good dental and gum care, make sure you:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, preferably after every meal.
• Cut down on sugary, starchy foods and drinks.
• Use dental floss to get rid of food and plaque stuck between teeth
• Get dental checkups at least twice a year

Do not neglect dental fillings to protect the upper chewing surfaces of the teeth.