There are so many different ways cavities can form in your mouth. And it is different for everyone. What causes a cavity in one person may not cause any problems in someone else.
Today we are going to talk about everything you need to know about cavities. That includes telling you about what they are, how you get them, how to prevent getting them in the first place, and what to do if you find out you have one.
So, let’s start off with the basics.
What is a Cavity?
A cavity is basically just a hole in your tooth. A lot of the times, they are really small and can only be seen by a dentist. And a cavity can form essentially anywhere. Meaning they can form on any tooth and any part of the tooth
When cavities are just forming, they are typically isolated in your enamel, which is a protective outer layer of your tooth. At this stage, most cavities can actually be reversed and your dentist might recommend you treat it with additional fluoride.
But, if it remains untreated or you just don’t catch it in time, it can spread deeper and reach your dentin. At this point, it is most likely irreversible and you are going to have to get a filling. Meaning your dentist will have to drill out the decay and fill it up with an artificial material such as composite or amalgam to prevent it from getting any worse.
However, if the cavity is still not treated in time, it can spread even further and reach your pulp. Your pulp is basically the life supply of your tooth. It is filled with nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue that keep the tooth alive. So, once your tooth decay reaches here, things aren’t looking so pretty.
Not only are you going to be in a lot of pain because your nerve has been exposed, there is a good chance you are going to need a root canal or your tooth extracted since your pulp has been infected.
How Do They Form?
The enamel that protects your teeth is extremely hard. In fact, it is the hardest substance in your body. It is even harder than bone!
So, it is hard to believe that holes can magically form in them. The problem is that there are some things even your enamel cannot protect you from. Specifically, your teeth are not protected from bacteria that live in your mouth. Even more specifically, the things these bacteria produce are what cause the problems.
Not all bacteria in your mouth are bad. Some of them are actually beneficial for you. However, there are some that wreak havoc if they get the chance. One of these bacteria are called Streptococcus mutans. If these bacteria build up in your mouth, things are not looking so good for your oral health.
Your diet is the main reason whether or not these bacteria build up. When you eat things high in carbohydrates, especially sugar, Streptococcus mutans can feast on the leftovers remaining in your mouth. In turn, these bacteria secrete acids. These acids are what decay your teeth and cause cavities.
Although they can form anywhere, cavities usually form in places where food gets trapped. For example, a common place is the grooves on the biting surface of your teeth or just under the contacts in between your teeth. These places are hard to clean with a toothbrush are are easily missed by most people. Meaning, bacteria have a good chance of sticking around in these areas, allowing them to build up more and more.
How Can You Prevent Them?
For the most part, cavities are preventable.
The number one reason cavities form in your mouth is due to your diet. The more frequently you consume foods high in sugar, the more likely you are to develop a cavity. This is because every time you eat sugar, you are giving the cavity causing bacteria in your mouth fuel to survive.
What a lot of people do not realize though, is that it is not just sugar that can feed these cavity causing bacteria. Basically any carbohydrate you eat can be consumed by these bacteria. That means everyday things like crackers, bread and rice all play a role as well! Sugar is just the most deadly.
But aside from reducing sugars in your diet, the next best way to prevent cavities is to have proper oral hygiene. The better your oral hygiene, the more you clean away these cavity causing bacteria, and the less time they have to stick around in your mouth and produce acids that decay your teeth. This is why dentists recommend brushing twice a day and flossing once every day.
On top of taking care of your teeth at home, it is also important to regularly visit the dentist if you want to prevent cavities. Not only can dentists give you tips on how to improve your oral hygiene, they can also check your mouth for any cavities that you may already have. And if you go to the dentist consistently, they will most likely catch a forming cavity early. If caught early enough, there is a chance your forming cavity can be reversed without the need of a filling!
What If You Already Have a Cavity?
If you find out you have a cavity, the first thing you should do is discuss your options with your dentist. Your dentist should be able to give you the pros and cons to each treatment option available and tell you what the ideal treatment would be in your situation.
If your cavity is relatively small, you will most likely just need a simple filling. But, just because it is small, it does not mean you should push it off and forget about it. As we mentioned before, the longer you wait, the more your cavity will grow and if you wait too long, you will end up needing treatment that is much more extensive or you might end up losing your tooth
Dental Secrets is providing this information for informational purposes only. Please consult a dentist or health advisor for questions. These materials are intended, but not promised or guaranteed to be current, complete or up to date. What I write is my opinion and is not meant to be any sort of health or dental advice.