What Are Dental Cavities?
Also known as dental caries, cavities are tiny holes formed over the tooth enamel with keep widening over time. It is one of the most common health problems in the world as anyone with teeth is likely to develop cavities. Initially, these cavities start as ‘microcavities’ or ‘incipient cavities,’ which don’t pose any direct threat to the teeth. However, as these tiny holes get deeper, they can lead to severe toothache, infection, and even tooth loss.
What Are The Types Of Dental Cavities?
Dental cavities can develop on different parts of the teeth in the following ways:
Smooth Surface Cavity: When the decay starts on the outer flat surface of a tooth,
Pit (Fissure) Cavity: When decay develops on the chewing surface of the two molar and premolar teeth in the back,
Root Cavity: When the decay starts in the root part of the teeth.
How Do Dental Cavities Form?
Cavities are primarily created due to tooth decay, and this decay occurs in the following stages:
Plaque Formation:
There are over 500 types of bacteria that are present in the mouth. These bacterias survive by feeding on the surgery and starchy food deposits which form after we eat or drink. When such food deposits are removed by frequent brushing or flossing, the bacterias feed on them and create a yellow sticky substance called plaque as the end product. Now, this plaque stays into the pits, gaps, and fissures of our teeth and hardens and turns into ‘Tartar’ which acts as a protective shield over the plaque and bacteria.
Tooth Enamel Decay:
As this plaque accumulates, it continually absorbs the strengthening minerals from our tooth enamel and cares tiny eroded holes and dents in it, known as the microcavities. These eroded holes expose the inner dentin of the tooth to the bacteria and acidic substances in our mouth.
Tooth Root Decay:
Once the bacteria have penetrated the enamel and dentin, they directly attack the core pulp of the teeth where all the nerves and blood vessels reside. These bacterias and acidic compounds infect the pulp making it swollen and inflamed. And since the pulp is trapped within the teeth and the jawbone, it swells into the jawbone, causing severe pain and total decay.
What Causes Dental Cavities?
The most common causes of development and aggravation of dental cavities include:
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Improper and insufficient brushing of teeth on a daily basis
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Frequently eating surgery and starchy foods such as ice cream, soda, cake, cookies, hard candy, dry cereal, chips, etc. which tend to stick to your teeth.
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Eating or snacking untimely and more frequently than necessary without rinsing your mouth later.
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Eating late at night before sleeping and not brushing your teeth later.
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Inadequate intake of fluoride through toothpaste and water
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Dry mouth condition caused by insufficient water intake and some medications
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Acid reflux caused by GERD which contacts the teeth
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Worn-out dental fillings and crowns which become rough over time
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Teeth erosion which occurs as we get older
What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Cavity Formation?
If your teeth have started developing cavities, you may experience one or a combination of the following signs:
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Visible tiny holes or pits in any of the teeth
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Brown, blackish, or white stains over a tooth surface
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Sudden toothache which occurs irregularly
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Feeling sensitivity and pain in a specific tooth when eating something sweet, hot or chilled
If you’ve been experiencing any of the above symptoms lately, we suggest that you immediately contact Oswal Dental Clinic and consult our expert dentist in Pune. If your tooth has undergone severe irreparable damage and might require prosthetic support or replacement, our dentist can also help you in getting the best treatments for dental implants in Pune. Visit the Oswal Dental Clinic website to book your appointment with our dental experts today.