A cavity is a hole in your tooth caused by bacteria eating away the enamel and dentine. It’s one of the most common chronic diseases affecting people of all ages.
Tooth decay can be prevented by a healthy diet, good brushing and flossing especially FLOSSING!, and regular dental visits.
What is a Cavity?
A cavity is an area of permanent damage to the hard outer shell of your tooth, also called enamel. The damage is caused by sugar and bacteria that attack the tooth, causing it to break down. The resulting hole is known as a cavity, which can grow bigger and deeper over time if left unchecked.
The most common cavities are in the back of the mouth, where molars and premolars have deep grooves that can trap food particles. These teeth are more prone to decay due to their anatomical structure, which makes it difficult for them to be completely cleaned with regular brushing and flossing. Tooth decay occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on the teeth and produces acids that attack the enamel.
How Do Cavities Form?
Tooth decay is a complex process that affects both the hard outer surface of your tooth (enamel) and the softer inner layer (dentin). A cavity starts as a small spot on the enamel that can eventually eat through it and the dentin beneath, leaving a hole.
Cavities are caused by bacteria buildup and sugar. A sticky biofilm called plaque clings to your teeth and feeds on the sugars in the foods you eat and drinks you sip throughout the day. When bacteria digest the sugar they release acid, which damages and weakens your tooth’s enamel.
As your enamel erodes it exposes the dentin and nerves within, leading to pain and discomfort. Over time, if left untreated, the cavity can grow deeper and wider, eventually resulting in a painful abscess. By focusing on good oral hygiene practices and scheduling regular dental appointments, you can avoid cavities altogether.
What Are the Symptoms of a Cavity?
While good oral hygiene can keep cavities to a minimum, they are a common problem that affects people of all ages. They may start on the outside of teeth as pits or fissures and can progress to damage inner layers, causing pain and other symptoms.
Symptoms of cavities include white, brown, or black stains on the surface of teeth, visible holes or pits, tooth pain when eating hot, cold, or sugary foods, bad breath, and swelling of gums. In more advanced cases, a hole can cause dull or throbbing pain and lead to loosening or breaking of the tooth and surrounding fillings.
It’s important to see a dentist for early detection of cavities to prevent more serious and costly problems down the road. If you suspect you have a cavity, contact Willow Pass Dental Care to schedule an appointment! We can examine your teeth, check for signs of decay, and discuss treatment options. The sooner we catch a cavity, the easier it is to repair.
How Can I Prevent Cavities?
One of the primary causes of cavities is excessive sugar intake, so avoiding added sweets is a good start. Drinking a balanced diet of water and other non-sugar beverages throughout the day is recommended, along with regular brushing using fluoride toothpaste. It’s also helpful to limit between-meal snacks, as these can prolong acid attacks on the teeth and prevent saliva flow, leaving teeth less able to repair themselves.
Brushing for 2 to 3 minutes twice a day, flossing regularly, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can help minimize plaque and food debris that can cause cavities. Visiting your dentist for expert cleanings and routine dental check-ups can spot cavities in their early stages, when they are easier to treat. And, a professional application of sealants can add another layer of protection to the enamel of your teeth.