DENTAL CAVITIES

Acids in your mouth caused by bacteria create what dentists call plaque. When plaque clings to your teeth, the acids can eat away at the enamel of the tooth. If you don't visit the dentist regularly, the acids can continue to make their way through the enamel to the inside parts of your tooth and cause tooth decay. You may end up with a toothache that may be the result of a cavity that reached all the way inside a tooth, where they are affecting the nerve endings.

What are Dental Cavities?

Dental cavities are holes that damage the structure of teeth. Dental cavities are also simply known as cavities, tooth decay or caries. Having a cavity is one of the most common of all disorders, second only to the common cold. It usually occurs in children and young adults but can affect any person. It is the most important cause of tooth loss in younger people.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Bacteria are normally present in the mouth. The bacteria convert all foods, especially sugar and starch, into acids. Bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine in the mouth to form a sticky substance called plaque that adheres to the teeth. It is most prominent on the grooved chewing surfaces of back molars, just above the gum line on all teeth, and at the edges of fillings. Plaque that is not removed from the teeth mineralizes into calculus (tartar). Plaque and calculus irritate the gums, resulting in gingivitis and ultimately periodontitis.
• The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the tooth and create holes in the tooth (cavities). Cavities are usually painless until they grow very large inside the internal structures of the tooth (the dentin and the pulp at the core) and can cause death of the nerve and blood vessels in the tooth. If left untreated a tooth abscess can develop.
• Plaque and bacteria begin to accumulate within 20 minutes after eating, the time when most bacterial activity occurs. If plaque and bacteria are left on the teeth, cavities can develop and untreated tooth decay can result in death of the internal structures of the tooth and ultimately the loss of the tooth.
• Dietary sugars and starches (carbohydrates) increase the risk of tooth decay. The type of carbohydrate and the timing and frequency of ingestion are more important that the amount. Sticky foods are more harmful than nonsticky foods because they remain on the surface of the teeth. Frequent snacking increases the time that acids are in contact with the surface of the tooth.

What are the Symptoms of a Dental Cavity?

The common symptoms of having a cavity is a toothache - particularly after sweet or hot or cold foods or drinks - or you may have visible pits or holes in the teeth

What is the Treatment for Dental Cavities?

Destroyed tooth structure does not regenerate. However, the progression of dental cavities can be stopped by treatment. The goal of treatment is to preserve the tooth and prevent complications. Ideally proper dental education is the best weapon in preventing tooth decay.

In filling teeth, the decayed material is removed (by drilling) and replaced with a restorative material such as silver alloy, gold, porcelain, or composite resin. Porcelain and composite resin more closely match the natural tooth appearance, and may be preferred for front teeth. Many dentists consider silver amalgam (alloy) and gold as stronger and are often used on back teeth, although there is a trend to use high strength composite resin in the back teeth as well.

Crowns are used if decay is extensive and there is limited tooth structure which may cause weakened teeth. Large fillings and weak teeth increase the risk of the tooth breaking. The decayed or weakened area is removed and repaired and a covering jacket or "cap" (crown) is fitted over the remainder of the tooth. Crowns are often made of gold, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal.

A root canal is recommended if the nerve (pulp) in a tooth dies from decay or from a traumatic blow. The center of the tooth, including the nerve and vascular (blood vessel) tissue (pulp), is removed along with decayed portions of the tooth. The roots are filled with a sealing material. The tooth is filled and a crown may be placed over the tooth if needed.