What exactly is a cavity?
A cavity is a hole in a tooth caused by dental decay. Cavities arise when acids in the mouth wear down, or erode, the hard outer covering of a tooth (enamel). A cavity may happen to anyone. Cavities can be avoided with proper brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings (sometimes called dental caries).
What is the prevalence of cavities?
More than 80 percent of Americans have at least one cavity by the time they approach their mid-30s. Cavities are one of the most frequent chronic disorders afflicting people of all ages.
Who is at risk of developing a cavity?
Cavities can occur at any age, although they are more prevalent in children. They may not wash their teeth adequately and consume more sugary meals and beverages.
Adults can get cavities as well. New deterioration can form around the borders of cavities treated as a child. Adults are also more prone to having receding gums. The bottom regions of the teeth are exposed to cavity-causing plaque as a result of this disorder.
What are the different sorts of cavities?
Tooth decay can harm the whole structure of a tooth. A cavity in the tough outer layer of tooth enamel can take up to three years to emerge. Decay moves faster through the dentin (middle layer) to the pulp (innermost layer). The pulp of a tooth includes the nerve terminals and blood supply.
Smooth surface: The enamel on your teeth is being dissolved by this slow-growing cavity. With appropriate brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings, you may avoid — and occasionally reverse — it. People in their twenties are more likely to acquire this type of dental decay between their teeth.
Pit and fissure decay: Cavities form on the chewing surface of the tooth. The front side of rear teeth can also be affected by decay. Pit and fissure deterioration usually begins in adolescence and advances swiftly.
Root decay: It is more common in older persons who have receding gums. Gum recession makes the tooth’s root vulnerable to plaque and acid. It is difficult to prevent and treat root decay.
What Causes Cavities ?
Many variables contribute to the formation of cavities. Typically, the following phases take place:
- Bacteria in the mouth consume sweet, starchy foods and beverages (fruit, candy, bread, cereal, sodas, juice and milk). These carbohydrates are converted into acids by the bacteria.
- Plaque is formed when bacteria, acid, food, and saliva combine. This sticky material adheres to the teeth.
- Acids in plaque degrade tooth enamel without adequate brushing and flossing, resulting in cavities or holes.
RISK FACTOR OF CAVITY
Certain things enhance your chances of getting cavities:
- Dry mouth is caused by conditions such as Sjogren’s syndrome or drugs such as antidepressants.
- Snacking on sweet, starchy foods or drinks in between meals.
- Cavities run in the family.
- Radiation treatment was formerly used to treat head and neck cancer.
- Gums that are receding.
SIGNS OF CAVITY
Typically, tooth decay on the outer enamel surface does not create pain or symptoms. As decay advances into the dentin and root, you are more likely to suffer symptoms. Cavity symptoms include:
- You have terrible breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
- Gum bleeds or other indications of gum disease
- Swelling of the face
- Toothache is pain in the mouth.
- Sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold meals or liquids.
- Redness in or around the mouth.
DIAGNOSTICS
Dental checks twice a year are the greatest method to catch cavities early, when your dentist can salvage the majority of the tooth. Your dentist will inspect your teeth using a variety of equipment. When your dentist probes a cavity-ridden tooth, it will feel softer. Dental X-rays may also be taken. X-rays reveal cavities before deterioration is obvious.
MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT
Treatment is determined on the degree of the tooth decay. Cavity treatments include the following:
- Fluoride treatments: It helps in rebuild tooth enamel when decay is detected early. This is known as remineralization. Prescription toothpaste and mouthwash, as well as fluoride treatments, may be required at the dentist.
- Fillings: When a cavity develops in a tooth, dentists drill out the damaged material and fill the hole. Silver amalgam, composite resin, or gold are used to make dental fillings.
- Root canal: It is used to relieve pain caused by root deterioration. Endodontists are dental professionals who address issues affecting the root of a tooth. This healthcare worker removes the pulp, which includes nerve endings that produce pain, during a root canal.
- Tooth extraction: If a root canal isn’t possible, your dentist may remove (pull) the tooth. A dental implant may be required to replace a permanent tooth that has been removed. Implants prevent teeth moving and altering your look and bite.
PREVENTION
Oral hygiene, like as brushing and flossing on a regular basis, can help to remove plaque and acids that cause cavities. Good dental and gum care entails the following:
- Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, ideally after each meal.
- Limiting your intake of sugary, starchy meals and beverages.
- Flossing daily helps remove food and plaque lodged between teeth.
- At least twice a year, have a dental checkup.
- Dental sealants are used to protect the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
COMLICATIONS
Tooth decay that continues untreated for an extended period of time can result in the loss of a substantial amount of the tooth and the need for an extraction. Advanced tooth decay can result in a serious infection both inside the tooth and beneath the gum line (tooth abscess). This illness has the potential to spread throughout the body. Infection from a dental abscess can be lethal in rare cases.
PROGNOSIS
The majority of persons who have cavities do not have any long-term issues. Because cavities form slowly, it is essential to get frequent dental exams. Fluoride treatments can halt the progression of tooth decay in its early stages. When tooth decay reaches the root, you run the danger of losing the tooth or getting a severe abscess (infection).
