An overview of Dental Decay

A Dental decay(Cavities) is a hole in a tooth that develops from tooth decay. Cavities form when acids in your mouth wear down (erode) your tooth’s hard outer layer (enamel). Anyone can get a Dental decay(Cavities). Proper oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings can prevent cavities.

Another name for tooth cavities is dental caries.

Cavities can start on any tooth surface. Here are common types of cavities and where they occur:

1. Smooth surface: This slow-growing Dental decay(Cavities) dissolves tooth enamel. You can prevent it — and sometimes reverse it — with proper oral hygiene. People in their 20s often develop this form of tooth decay between their teeth.

2. Pit and fissure decay: Cavities form on the top part of your tooth’s chewing surface. Decay also can affect the front side of your back teeth. Pit and fissure decay tends to start during the teenage years and progresses quickly.

3. Root decay: Adults who have receding gums are more prone to root decay. Gum recession exposes your teeth roots to dental plaque and acid. Root decay is difficult to prevent and treat. (If you’re prone to gum recession, ask your dentist if you should schedule an appointment with a periodontist.)

Many factors play a role in the development of cavities.

Here’s how it works:

1. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugary, starchy foods and drinks (fruit, candy, bread, cereal, sodas, juice and milk). The bacteria convert these carbohydrates into acids.

2. Bacteria, acid, food and saliva mix to form dental plaque. This sticky substance coats your teeth.

3. Without proper brushing and flossing, acids in plaque dissolve tooth enamel, creating cavities, or holes, in the enamel surface.

Tooth decay on the outer enamel surface doesn’t usually cause pain or symptoms. You’re more likely to experience symptoms as decay reaches beyond the enamel into the dentin and pulp.

Dental decay(Cavities) symptoms include:

1. Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.

2. Bleeding gums or other signs of gum disease.

3. Facial swelling.

4. Toothache or mouth pain.

5. Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drinks.

Proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, can get rid of plaque, acids and Dental decay(Cavities)-causing bacteria. Good teeth and gum care includes:

1. Brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, and preferably after every meal.

2. Cutting back on sugary, starchy foods and drinks.

3. Daily flossing to get rid of food and plaque stuck between your teeth.

4. Dental checkups at least twice a year. (You might need more frequent visits if you’re prone to tooth decay, gum disease or other oral health issues.)

5. Dental sealants to protect the top chewing surfaces of your teeth.

Twice-a-year dental checkups are the best way to catch cavities early, before they worsen or grow larger. A dentist will use a number of instruments to examine your teeth. A tooth with a Dental decay(Cavities) will feel softer when your dentist probes it.

Your dentist may also take dental X-rays. These images show cavities before the decay is visible.

Tooth decay treatment depends on the severity of your condition.

Dental decay(Cavities) treatments include:

1. Fluoride.

2. Fillings.

3. Root canal therapy.

4. Tooth extraction.

Fluoride

In the very early stages of tooth decay, fluoride treatments can repair damaged enamel — a process called remineralization. This can reverse the early signs of cavities. You may need prescription toothpaste and mouthwash, as well as fluoride treatments at the dental office.

Dental fillings

Once a hole forms in your tooth, a dentist drills out the decayed tissue and fills the hole. Dental fillings consist of composite resin (a tooth-colored material), silver amalgam or gold.

Root canal therapy

Root canal therapy relieves pain from advanced tooth decay. Endodontists (specialists who treat issues that affect a tooth’s root) usually perform the procedure. During root canal treatment, an endodontist removes the tooth pulp, then fills the canals and pulp chamber with gutta-percha (a special filling material). In some cases, you might also need a dental crown to strengthen the affected tooth.

Tooth extraction

If root canal therapy isn’t possible, your healthcare provider may recommend tooth extraction (pulling the tooth). You may need a dental bridge or dental implant to replace a pulled permanent tooth. Your dentist can tell you about your specific options.

Cavities can affect all layers of your tooth.

There are five main tooth decay stages:

1. Demineralization: During this first stage, you may notice small, white, chalky spots on your tooth. This is due to the breakdown of minerals in your tooth enamel.

2. Enamel decay: Left untreated, tooth decay progresses and continues to break down your enamel. At this point, cavities (holes) may become noticeable. White spots may turn to a light brownish color.

3. Dentin decay: Dentin is the layer just beneath your tooth enamel. It’s much softer than your enamel. So, once plaque and bacteria reach this layer, cavities form faster. At this stage, you may notice teeth sensitivity. The spots on your teeth may also turn to a darker brown.

4. Pulp damage: Your tooth pulp is the innermost layer of your tooth. It contains nerves and blood vessels that transport nutrients and keep your tooth alive. When cavities reach your pulp, you may feel pain. You may also start to notice redness and swelling in the gums around your tooth. The spots on your tooth may turn darker brown or black.

5. Abscessed tooth: Left untreated, a deep Dental decay(Cavities) can cause infection. This results in a pocket of pus that forms at the tip of your tooth root (periapical abscess). Symptoms may include pain that radiates into your jaw or face. You may also develop facial swelling and swollen lymph nodes in your neck. At this point, a tooth abscess can spread to surrounding tissues and other areas of your body. In rare cases, infection can even spread to your brain or to your bloodstream (sepsis).

Tooth decay can have serious consequences on teeth and overall health.

It can cause the following:

1. Sudden and sustained pain (sometimes violent) in the teeth and jaw

2. Abscess, sometimes accompanied by fever and swelling of the face

3. Bad breath

4. Loss of the decayed tooth

5. Difficulty chewing food

6. Difficulty with pronunciation

Tooth decay can also affect appearance, self-esteem and well-being. Also, untreated cavities can lead to costly care, especially if a tooth that is impossible to keep, must be removed and replaced.

Certain factors increase your risk of cavities, including:

1. Dry mouth (xerostomia). Certain conditions (like Sjögren’s syndrome), or medications (like antidepressants) can make you more likely to develop dry mouth.

2. Consuming sugary, starchy foods or drinks and snacking between meals.

3. Family history of tooth decay.

4. Gum recession.

5. Previous radiation therapy to treat head and neck cancer.