What are Cavities and Why You Should Take Care of Them?

01

Apr

Dental cavities begin as small, unnoticed holes in your teeth but can quickly develop into complicated teeth problems. If left untreated, they advance deeper into the tooth, causing pain and infections, and in the end, might even result in having to extract the tooth.

Recognizing cavities early makes a significant difference in preserving your dental health. The first signs of cavities are usually tooth sensitivity, discomfort, or visible changes in a tooth, which thus require immediate care. Doing so will help you avoid further complications and foster long-term oral health. The information below explains all you need to know about cavities.

What are Cavities?

Cavities, or tooth decay, occur when hard tooth surfaces deteriorate and create small openings that, if treated late, deepen. During decay, it can penetrate the dentin, which is softer than the enamel, and eventually reach the pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels are. This progression often leads to discomfort, increased sensitivity, infections, and, in some cases, loss of teeth.

Types of Cavities and Their Effect

There are many types of cavities, including the following:

1. Pit and Fissure Cavities

Pit and fissure cavities develop on the surface of the molars and premolars, where the food particles and bacteria are captured mainly by the deep grooves and pits. Since these areas are challenging to clean with a toothbrush, these cavities are prevalent in children and teens whose oral hygiene habits are still developing.

If left untreated, the decay spreads fast, and the bacteria can attack the tooth surface, causing serious damage. Dentists often recommend sealants as a preventive measure since they create a barrier around vulnerable tooth surfaces from bacteria.

2. Smooth Surface Cavities

The smooth surface cavities are located on the flat, white surfaces of the teeth on the outer and inner sides. Smooth surface cavities result from plaque accumulation due to inadequate brushing and flossing. These cavities progress more slowly than other types, making them easier to detect and treat in their early stages. They are mostly found among youngsters with irregular oral care practices or issues managing plaque due to their eating habits.

3. Root Cavities

Root cavities occur on the exposed teeth' exposed roots. Thus, older adults who face gum recession are more prone to them. Contrary to the crown covered with enamel, tooth roots are made of a soft cementum, which decays faster. The occurrence of root cavities disrupts the health of the entire tissue. Gum recession, pollution of the mouth, and fluorine treatments are protective steps that can be taken to secure the roots.

4. Interproximal Cavities

These cavities occur in between the teeth, where food particles and bacteria accumulate since they are difficult to brush areas. Since interproximal cavities can be hidden from the naked eye, they are usually detected through checkups via X-rays.

Bad flossing practices increase the risk of these cavities developing since plaque collects in these tight spaces. If they go untreated, the cavities can not only adversely alter a tooth's health status but also compromise the integrity of the adjacent teeth.

5. Recurrent (Secondary) Cavities

Even restored teeth can also develop decay. It is common for recurrent cavities to appear at the margins of dental procedures like fillings, crowns, or bridges. With time, tiny gaps or cracks can occur around these restorations, through which bacteria may come in and make a new area of decay under or around the original structure. Generally, through regular dental appointments, dentists can observe any signs of deterioration and, thus, make needed adjustments to ensure the fillings and crowns remain intact and continue being a barrier against decay.

6. Rampant Cavities

Rampant cavities refer to multiple teeth being infected with severe decay. This problem usually occurs due to some specific risk factors, for example:

• Prolonged drinking of sugary liquids by young children (baby bottle tooth decay).
• Dry mouth caused by medications or medical treatments, or
• Poor general oral hygiene.

Some people are more susceptible to getting rampant cavities than others, and thus, they should be careful about their eating habits.

The Early Signs of Cavities

Cavities develop over time and often without immediate pain. However, you can spot early warning signs before they become serious problems. Subtle changes in your teeth’ appearance and sensitivity can point to decay even before severe symptoms appear. Identifying these signs early will help spare you discomfort and the need for invasive treatments.

Some of the early signs to look for include the following:

1. Change in Your Teeth’ Color

You might first notice a blemished or unhealthy part of your tooth. White or chalky spots on the enamel signal demineralized areas, forming the first line of possible decay where acids weaken the surface. These areas may not hurt, but they indicate that the decay has already started.

Over time, these areas may change to light brown or gray, showing that the enamel is breaking down further.

2. Sensitivity

Sensitivity is yet another warning sign. If you have a sudden, sharp twinge of pain in your tooth while eating something sweet, drinking hot coffee, or biting an ice-cold treat, the decay might have reached the dentin, the layer beneath the enamel that is sensitive to touch. Initially, this discomfort may not seem much, as it appears while only brushing or flossing, but it is a sign of ongoing damage.

3. Changes in Teeth‘ Texture

Rough textures can tell you of early cavities as well. By running your tongue over your teeth, you might discover a rough surface, tiny pits, or areas with a sticky feel. All these show signs of decay. These minute differences may point to a decayed area that has not yet developed a visible hole. Bad breath or a persistent unpleasant taste can be symptoms of bacteria multiplying in a decaying area, although they are sometimes associated with gum disease.

4. Food Being Stuck in Teeth Frequently

If food often gets stuck in a particular spot, you might have cavities forming. When debris stays between teeth or deep grooves, it might mean a small crevice has been formed, thus creating a cavity for decay to grow. It usually occurs in molars when there is a lack of proper cleaning with brushing and flossing since they are difficult to reach places.

5. Facial Swelling and Gum Inflammation

As it worsens, symptoms can become severe, too. If left untreated, cavities lead to a swollen face, gum inflammation, or infections. Swelling sometimes occurs in severe conditions, like when the decay reaches the pulp and an abscess is formed. However, gum irritation may occur earlier, especially if the cavity forms near the gum line. Bleeding gums, which are more likely to occur due to gum disease, can also improve when a plaque buildup from a nearby cavity irritates your gum.

Stages of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a gradual process that goes through various steps, progressing from small changes to severe damage that can result from untreated. It does not happen overnight. Several factors, including bacteria, time, diet, and oral hygiene habits, all contribute to its progression.

Dentists categorize decay into stages for the sake of diagnosis and prevention. These include:

1. Demineralization

The first stage is demineralization, where the enamel, the toughest outer layer of the tooth, begins to weaken. Bacteria in the mouth consume the sugars and starches, producing acids. The acids that leach minerals, including calcium and phosphate, from the enamel. At this stage, little white spots on the tooth's surface may appear, indicating that the enamel is not as strong as it used to be.

There is no pain yet, and often, this stage can be reversible. The enamel can be repaired with the help of fluoride toothpaste or fluoride treatments from your dentist before a cavity occurs.

2. Enamel Decay

If the demineralization stage is not treated, the decay proceeds to the enamel decay stage. A tiny hole or pit appears while the acid is still eroding the enamel. Hot, cold, or sweet food may cause sensitivity if the enamel thins enough. The white spots you can see will change to light brown. At this point, there is no possibility to reverse the damage, and the dentist will need to fill the hole to prevent the infection from spreading further.

3. Dentin Decay

The next stage is dentin decay. The decay reaches the dentin, the softer, more porous layer beneath the enamel. Dentin is more sensitive and closer to the tooth's nerves, so you may feel sharper pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet. The cavity will continue to grow, and the discoloration of the tooth may deepen to a darker brown or gray. The tooth is no longer stable, and treatment is urgent to avoid further damage.

4. Pulp Damage

If untreated, the decay will go to the pulp, the tooth's inner core, with nerves and blood vessels in it. This is the pulp involvement stage, where you will experience intense pain. Constantly, the tooth can ache, and sometimes, you could experience sharp, throbbing pain due to temperature changes or chewing pressure.

The tooth's pulp could become inflamed (pulpitis), and if the infection spreads, it could cause an abscess.

5. Formation of Abscess

The last stage of tooth decay is the abscess formation stage. If the infection in the pulp is not treated, it will travel to the tooth's root and create an abscess, a pus-filled pocket that causes significant pain.

You may observe the swelling of your gums or face, along with fever and a foul taste from the pus. In some instances, there might be bleeding of the gums, but that happens mostly because of gum disease. By this time, the tooth may be beyond saving and instead need to be extracted. If the infection is not treated, it can get to other body parts, leading to serious health issues.

Diagnosing Cavities

Some signs, like sensitivity, changes in color, or pain, can be clues that cavities are forming, but it is only through a visit to a dentist that you will find out for sure and receive the needed treatment.

Generally, the procedure kicks off with a visual evaluation. Your dentist will carry out a thorough inspection of your teeth in a well-lit environment and check for symptoms associated with decay, such as:

• White or chalky spots, earliest stage of demineralization.
• Reddish or blackish discoloration, and
• Actual holes.

A dental mirror gives them a broader view that lets them see tightly packed areas between your teeth or the back of your mouth. This visual examination contributes to finding obvious cavities, which are typically distinct. However, more subtle ones need further investigation.

At the closer examination stage, dentists use a dental explorer tool. This is a small sharp object to probe the tooth’s surface delicately. If the explorer sticks in one of the places, it could indicate that the enamel is softened or there is a cavity. They will also look for rough patches or pits that you could feel with your tongue, but their expert touch helps them detect the defect's exact location. This method works together with the visual exam, verifying what they see.

For cavities that are not evident, like those in between teeth or under the enamel, radiography is essential. Dental X-rays reveal the decay within the enamel, dentin, or pulp that would not be detectable through visual inspection. X-rays are invaluable in finding interproximal cavities and recurrent decay around old fillings. Often, it is possible to screen them before symptoms develop.

Dentists might also be aided by technology like laser fluorescence devices, such as DIAGNOdent, which are the latest approaches they take. These devices cast a laser over the tooth and measure how the light reflects. Healthy enamel returns bright light, while decayed areas show a different light spectrum, so the decay is detected earlier, even before the visible pits and fissures on the teeth. This non-invasive procedure can locate a cavity that might have been undetectable to the naked eye.

Furthermore, if your gums are swollen or bleeding, which could be a sign of gum disease or an abscess, your dentist will examine your gums as well. They can use a probe to determine infection or inflammation in the area surrounding the tooth. Still, this step mainly aims to rule out other possible problems rather than establish a cavity diagnosis.

With all the required information, the dentist can now point out a suitable plan for you.

Cavity Management and Treatment

Your dentist can recommend possible solutions and the right strategies to manage and treat the cavities, depending on the extent of the damage. The treatment they recommend is based on the stage of the cavity, whether it is just beginning or has reached an advanced stage. They always aim to stop further damage, restore what is damaged, and ensure the circumstance does not worsen.

1. Fluoride Treatment

If the cavity is in its demineralization stage, drilling would not even be necessary. They could suggest fluoride treatments, including high-strength fluoride varnish, gel, or rinse that the dentist applies during the appointment or a prescription toothpaste. Fluoride helps remineralize the enamel, rebuilding it before a cavity forms.

Your dentists will also recommend you brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, use dental floss, and try to eat less sugar that feeds the bacteria that cause decay. The primary focus of this stage is to allow nature to take its course in efforts to reverse the changes.

2. Restoring Tooth Structure

Once decay penetrates and a cavity forms, it is past the point of no return. Therefore, acquiring a dental filling may be the only course of action. Your dentist will remove the decayed portion using a drill or laser, then reconstruct the tooth's structure using filling materials, including composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain.

Aside from these procedures, they suggest upgrading to an electric toothbrush in your everyday hygiene regimen or using mouthwash with fluoride as an added preventive measure against cavities.

If decay progresses to the dentin decay stage, reaching the softer layer beneath the enamel, treatment usually involves a filling but may be more involved. Being closer to the nerves, you might experience more sensitivity. Moreover, the cavity would likely be more significant. The dentist will clean out all the decay and fill the cavity up. However, they might place a liner or base underneath the filling to protect the nerve. They recommend diet changes like reducing carbs and sweets to decrease acid production by bacteria.

3. Root Canal Treatment

At the pulp involvement stage, the decay has progressed to the tooth's centre, thus causing pain and inflammation. At this point, though, the dentist may recommend a root canal. This procedure involves removing the inflamed pulp, sealing the root canals, and applying a filling, mostly a crown, to protect the tooth. Densities could postpone the operation until you feel no more pain and would prescribe over-the-counter medicines while you wait for the procedure. They would stress the importance of good oral hygiene to avoid further problems.

4. Abscess Drainage or Extraction

In the most severe cases, where an abscess formed by infection spreads beyond the tooth's root, the dentist's treatment procedure changes and becomes more aggressive. The dentist could have to drain the abscess by removing the pus and thus also reducing the swelling. They would prescribe antibiotics if the infection is really bad.

If the tooth is still salvageable, a root canal with a crown might be necessary. Alternatively, possible tooth extraction may be recommended if the tooth can no longer be fixed. Your dentists will advise you on treatment options like a bridge or dental implant to fill in the space once your tooth has been extracted. They will also stress that good oral hygiene is the key to maintaining the health of your remaining teeth, mainly if there are issues like gum disease.

Dentists not only treat the cavity itself but also help patients to improve their overall oral health. They could recommend dental sealants for your molars if you are prone to cavities in pits and fissures or a mouthguard if grinding is wearing down your enamel. They can also give you products that make your mouth wet if you have xerostomia. The action plan would consider how much decay has formed, but the aim remains unchanged: to stop, restore, and prevent.

Find a Dentist Near Me

Dentists can spot cavities forming in your teeth during your biannual visits. However, you should also do your part by eating healthy and cleaning your teeth properly to prevent cavities. Should you suspect you or your child has cavities, make an appointment to have the proper treatment as soon as possible. If you want to avoid significant complications later, get the necessary care immediately. Get in touch with The Whittier Dentist today to schedule your appointment. Call us at 562-632-1223.