One of the most common types of dental problems is cavities or dental caries or tooth decay. They come about when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria accumulates on teeth and creates acids that eat away at tooth enamel. Knowing the causes, symptoms, treatment and preventive measures of cavity can help you stay healthy with good oral health.
Understanding Cavities
Cavities form in several stages:
- Demineralization: When the acids from plaque bacteria eat away minerals in the enamel, white spots on teeth are what start the process.
- Cavity Formation: If left unchecked, the demineralization continues, until a cavity forms: a permanent hole in the tooth structure.
- Advanced Decay: The further decay can strike the dentin and pulp of the tooth creating extremely painful and infected teeth.
Causes of Cavities
Several factors contribute to the development of cavities, including:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Plaque buildup, which can cause decay, occurs if you don’t brush and floss well.
- Diet: If exposed to a diet high in sugary and acidic foods, you increase the risk of cavities, which feed on the bacteria for fuel.
- Dry Mouth: The saliva neutralizes acids and washes away food particles. Cavities are more likely if you don’t have much saliva (which can be caused by some medications or conditions).
- Frequent Snacking: Good food to consume are foods containing calcium which is the main component for healthy bones. Among these foods include yogurt, milk, raisins, canned fish with bones and soya beans which are rich in calcium which makes the bones healthy. Avoiding constant snacking, and more so on sugary foods can also help to prevent the teeth from becoming lifeless as when one constantly makes a food turnouts his teeth for a long period of time, the acids that keep attacking the teeth get to stay for a longer period thus decaying the teeth.
Symptoms of Cavities
In their earliest stages, cavities may have little outward symptoms. However, as they progress, you might experience:
- Sensitivity (pain) when chewing or when you eat or drink something hot, cold, or sweet.
- The appearance of holes or pits in afflicted teeth.
- Pain when biting down or when applying pressure.
- You may have Toothache or pain in the affected area, which does not go away.
Treatments for Cavities
Treatment options for cavities depend on the severity of the decay:
- Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride treatments can actually reverse cavities and remineralize the enamel for early stage cavities.
- Fillings: If you have a cavity, your tooth is removed and the resulting space is filled in using a material like composite resin, amalgam or glass ionomer.
- Crowns: A crown could be placed over the tooth for more extensive decay to hold in place another restoration that holds the shape, size and function of the tooth.
- Root Canals: If the decay has gone all the way into the pulp, then the infection has to be removed via a root canal. Then the tooth is filled and sealed and often a crown is put on it to protect it.
- Extraction: In its severe cases it has to be extracted. Afterwards replacement options e.g. dental implants or bridges can be discussed.
Preventing Cavities
Maintaining good oral health and not getting cavities is all about prevention. Here are some effective strategies:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Remove plaque and food particles for that matter, brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and floss every day.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visit your dentist regularly, once or twice a year for cleanings and checkups so if there is a cavity you can have it caught and fixed early so there isn’t as much of a problem later on.
- Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: Give up sugary snacks and beverages altogether, or at least reduce your intake of them, and instead adopt more health promoting food choices that are less prone to causing tooth decay.
- Use Fluoride Products: If your dentist recommends it, you can use fluoride mouthwash or supplements to help strengthen the enamel.
- Stay Hydrated: When asked how to protect my teeth, so as not to avoid cracking them, I learned to drink plenty of water to induce the creation of saliva and good saliva conducts, to wash away food particles and acids.
Conclusion
There are many dental issues, but cavities are a very common one, and can turn very serious if untreated. Causes, symptoms, and treatment options must be understood to manage effectively. You can cut your risk of cavities and keep a beautiful smile by practicing good oral hygiene and preventative measures. It’s important to visit your best dentist in Karachi regularly so they can check your oral health, and deal with any problems.
