Cavities

You may not know that you have a tooth cavity until you see a dentist. Usually, when you feel pain, it is too late. When should you visit a dentist for a checkup? Answer: Before you notice any of these symptoms.

The following symptoms are indicative of a cavity:

• The tooth surface may show black, brown, or white stains
• Sensitivity (to hot, cold, pressure, sweets, or biting)
• Cavities or visible holes in the teeth
• Acute aching

Contact us immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. We can  assess the damage. The sooner you fix the problem, the less expensive and complicated the repair will be.

The decay of teeth follows a pattern that can be stopped at any stage along the continuum. Early intervention is key. Below are the four stages of decay:

Demineralization

The enamel is the protective outer layer of a tooth. It is the hardest substance primarily composed of calcium and potassium. It is the hardiest substance in the human body. This substance can break down if it is constantly exposed to the acid produced by the bacteria that eat sugar. This process usually changes the teeth's color to a white chalky color. It is painless and visible in the mouth, or on x-rays. The process can be reversed by using MI Paste (r) and fluoride, which restore calcium and phosphate to the teeth.

Dentin Decay

When the acid penetrates the enamel outer layer and reaches the inner soft portion of the teeth (dentin), it is called tooth decay. Early stages of decay are painless. The dentist can diagnose decay when he finds soft spots that are stuck in the grooves or if they appear on X-Rays. It is important to treat cavities quickly because decay spreads eight times faster inside the tooth. You may develop symptoms once the decay reaches the nerve or pulp. It is usually too late for a filling once you start experiencing those symptoms.

Pulpal Decay

As soon as the decay reaches the nerve, it starts to inflame the nerve and cause a toothache. This can happen after removing the decay. If this happens, the only way to save the tooth is by performing a root canal, which is more expensive and complicated than a simple filling.

Abscess

The nerve in a tooth usually dies. The necrotic tissue builds up in the tooth when this occurs. The necrotic tissue must then go somewhere. It usually pumps out the end of the teeth. The abscess can be very painful. Abscesses can start out small, but grow quickly and cause serious health problems.

Cavities are primarily caused by bacteria and sugar. These factors are also involved:

Plaque

Plaque is a slimy film left behind on your teeth when you have eaten. Plaque takes two days to harden enough to be removed from teeth using floss or a brush. Once it hardens, plaque becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Add sugar to the mix and you get acid.

Acid Erosion

Acid erosion is the destruction of teeth caused by acid. Acid levels in the mouth are closely related to how much sugar you consume or drink. Sugar and acidic drinks, such as canned sodas, are bad for your teeth.

Deep Grooves

Molars often have deep grooves. Sugar and bacteria can easily get trapped in these grooves because  toothbrush bristles cannot reach deep into the grooves. Sealants can be crucial in protecting these difficult-to-reach places.

Food Impairment

It will get stuck anywhere food can. This is where the majority of cavities are formed. The small gaps between the back teeth, and under the dental bridges are areas where food tends to accumulate. This leads to more cavities.

Unable to clean

The wisdom teeth are the most likely to decay, as they can be difficult to clean.

Sticky Foods

Due to their consistency, certain foods will adhere more easily to difficult-to-reach areas. These foods are harder to remove using a toothbrush or floss and take longer to dissolve in saliva. Examples include:

• Dry Fruit
• Candy and mints
• Cereals, chips, cookies, or cake

How often do you snack or drink?

More acid is produced when we consume sugar more frequently, especially at night, when our mouths are drier.

Bedtime Infant Feeding

This may cause a child to fall asleep but it can also lead to dental decay. To prevent tooth decay, caregivers should not give sugar to babies or children of any age.

Inadequate brushing/Flossing

By brushing and flossing, you can eliminate all bacteria and plaque. Most people don't even know that they have areas missing. You can still get cavities even when you brush and floss every day. Knowing where you may be missing plaque can help build a strong relationship with your dental hygiene.

Insufficient Fluoride

Fluoride can help prevent and slow down the development of cavities. Fluoride is a chemical that causes a reaction to harden the enamel, stopping the acid attack. It's like vitamins for your teeth. Fluoride reduces the number of dental cavities by 70%. Fluoride is added to municipal drinking water, toothpaste and mouthwash. Fluoride varnish is the most effective and can be applied after cleaning by your dentist.

Age

The age of the person is a factor in risk because young people are less likely than older ones to properly clean their teeth. Early instruction by parents or dental hygienists is essential. Many elderly people take more medication, which can cause dry mouth resulting in a lower amount of saliva that is available to wash plaque away.

Dry Mouth

The saliva that washes away plaque and causes cavities is less when the mouth is dry. It can be due to medication, radiation, or other medical conditions. This is more common at night. Brushing and flossing before bedtime is therefore even more important.

Worn Fillings

Plaque can collect on worn fillings that have uneven margins. Fillings that are stained or dark could indicate a developing cavity.

Acid Reflux

Any acid can destroy enamel. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid enters your mouth through the esophagus. This can cause enamel to break down and create cavities.

Eating Disorders

Bulimia can damage teeth through vomiting and constant exposure to stomach acid. It can also affect the production of saliva, which would normally help wash plaque off teeth.

Both children and adults can suffer serious complications from cavities. The following complications can occur:

• Swelling
• Abscess
• Pus
• Tooth loss
• Shifting teeth
• Weight loss 

It is rare but an abscess may spread to other areas of the body, such as your brain, and sinuses or cause a life-threatening obstruction in your airway.

Preventions

If you follow these simple tips, tooth decay can be completely avoided.

Brushing and flossing

Use fluoride toothpaste twice daily. Brushing and flossing correctly are essential. You can ask a dental hygienist if you're doing it right. We know that it can be hard to avoid sugar. After eating something with sugar, make sure you brush and floss thoroughly. For the best way to clean teeth, we recommend using electric toothbrushes such as Sonicare(r), and electric flossers like  Waterpik (r).

Mouthwash

You can use mouthwash to remove and dilute some plaque that has formed after eating sugar. While it is a quick fix, brushing and flossing your teeth are more effective.

Regularly visit your dentist and hygienist

A hygienist will show you where you have missing teeth and how you can reach them during your regular dental cleaning. The dentist can also determine if you have any cavities or high-risk areas.

Dental Sealants

Sealants are resin-based fillers that are placed into the grooves between your molars to prevent plaque from getting in. This is the same as the caulk used to connect your tile to your bath in that it keeps everything out. It is important to do this for children when their six- and twelve-year-old molars are growing in. Sealants can also be recommended to adults in order to prevent cavities within the grooves on the molars. Sealants are less expensive and require no anesthesia.

Fluoride Varnish

Your dentist can apply a fluoride coating to your teeth after cleanings or fillings. A thin layer of fluoride has been shown to effectively prevent cavities.

Avoid Sugar

Avoid sugar and you will not get cavities. If you decide to indulge in a sweet treat, be sure to brush it and floss as soon as possible.

Eat Healthy Foods

You'll be better off if you choose sugar-free foods and drinks. Avoid foods with acidic substances that can cause your teeth to stick. When you're on the move, sugar-free gum can help increase saliva and remove plaque.

Treatment for a cavity is dependent on the severity of the damage.

• Fluoride and MI paste(r) can reverse early cavities that have not entered the dentin.
• If the cavity is in the dentin's superficial layer (away from the nerve), it can be filled by removing decay and re-filling the tooth.
• A crown is usually required when more than 70% of a visible tooth has been damaged.
• A root canal will be necessary once the decay has reached the deep dentin.
• When decay has reached the bone below, it is usually necessary to extract the tooth.

What is a cavity?

Cavities are holes in teeth caused by decay. The plaque in your mouth combines with bacteria and sugar to form a cavity. Acid is the by-product. The enamel of the tooth is destroyed when it comes in contact with the acid over a long period of time. Caries is the term used when the acid reaches the dentin, the soft inner part of the teeth.

Does having cavities hurt?

Early on, cavities are not symptomatic. A filling can solve the problem. They can become symptomatic as they progress. At this stage, root canals or extractions are usually the only options.

Can I reverse cavities?

MI Paste (r) is one product that can help remineralize the teeth at an early stage of decay. Once the decay has penetrated the enamel into the dentin it is impossible to reverse.

Does your family have a history of soft teeth?

It is possible that parents can pass different types of bacteria from their mouths to their children. But tooth decay can still be prevented.