Does tooth pain have you in agony? Chances are, your tooth pain can be from an undiagnosed cavity.
You will likely have to deal with a tooth cavity at some point. While cavities are particularly prevalent in children and adolescents, they can also affect adults. Regular visits to the dentist can stop cavities before they start.. Dr. Leonard Hess fosters a judgment-free dentist office. We provide general dental tips to keep your teeth healthy without judgment.
Tooth cavities, or dental caries, are a form of tooth decay. Natural bacteria in the mouth form plaque on your teeth. When plaque comes in contact with sugars and starches from foods, it produces acid, damaging tooth enamel over time and leading to tooth decay.
Tooth Cavity Symptoms
You may be experiencing some or all of the following symptoms if you have a tooth cavity:
- Toothache
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Pain when eating hot or cold foods and beverages
- Visible holes in teeth
- Pus around the tooth and gums
What Causes Cavities?
Dental cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, happen when the hard surface of your teeth breaks down. This damage starts small but can grow over time if left untreated. Cavities are among the most common dental problems, affecting people of all ages.
Cavities start with plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. It builds up on your teeth, especially after you eat or drink something sugary or starchy. The bacteria in plaque feed on sugars and produce acids. These acids wear away the enamel, the hard, protective layer outside your teeth.
If plaque and acids stay on your teeth too long, they begin to break down the enamel. Over time, this damage creates tiny holes or soft spots in your teeth. These are the beginning stages of cavities. If the decay continues, it can reach deeper layers of the tooth, like the dentin and pulp. This can lead to pain, infection, or even tooth loss.
Poor oral hygiene is a big cause of cavities. If you don’t brush and floss daily, plaque and bacteria can build up quickly. Eating a lot of sugary snacks or drinking sugary drinks like soda or juice also increases your risk. The more sugar you eat, the more acid the bacteria can make.
Other factors can also lead to cavities. For example, some people have deep grooves in their teeth that are harder to clean. Others may not produce enough saliva, which helps wash away food and neutralize acids. Even genetics can play a role in how strong your enamel is.
The good news is that cavities are preventable. Brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly can keep your teeth healthy. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks and drinking water throughout the day also helps protect your teeth.
Preventing Tooth Cavities
“Brush and floss every day,” says Dr. Hess. Cavities often form between teeth, so don’t skip the flossing part. Regular visits to the dentist are also very important. A professional dental cleaning can remove plaque that normal brushing leaves behind. The dentist can identify early signs of tooth decay and recommend treatment before it progresses. In addition, you can prevent tooth cavities by maintaining a healthy diet and limiting sugary snacks and soda.
Tooth Cavity Treatments
If you already have cavities or your teeth show signs of decay, Dr. Hess offers general dentistry services to restore tooth stability and protect them from future damage or decay.
Composite dental fillings: These fillings, made of composite resin or porcelain, are placed in a single visit and are used to treat teeth with minor tooth decay. With a good oral health routine, they can last a lifetime.
Inlays and onlays: These restorations are generally used when there is more significant tooth decay but not enough to warrant a root canal. They can protect teeth from further deterioration.
Root Canal: If the tooth decay has advanced and is causing an infection at the root of the tooth, you may need a root canal. This procedure is the best way to treat a diseased tooth and avoid an extraction.
Tooth Cavity FAQs
Tooth cavities are something almost everyone will have to face at some point in their lives. Learn more about them by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
What happens if I don’t treat a cavity?
If you don’t get treatment, a cavity will worsen. The longer you put off treatment, the more damage is done to your tooth. Cavities are caused by tooth decay, and the infection continues to spread. If it impacts your dental pulp, you’ll need further dental treatment, like a root canal. If it continues further, you may need to extract the infected tooth before it impacts the health of the rest of your mouth.
How long does it take for a cavity to spread?
The amount of time it takes can vary. The infection can spread throughout your tooth in several months or years. Cavities in some areas of the mouth will spread more than others. Other factors like genetics, diet, and oral hygiene routine also matter. Once you notice signs of a cavity, you should get the tooth examined immediately.
Can brushing my teeth slow down the spread of a cavity?
Yes, brushing helps prevent cavities in general, too. If you already have a cavity, it can help prevent it from spreading further. While the area may be sensitive, focus on the cavity to remove any further food particles and debris from around the cavity. Thorough brushing can help prevent the cavity from spreading by giving bacteria less material to feed on.
How many cavities can you fill at once?
Technically, there’s no limit to the number of cavities we can fill in one appointment. However, we don’t recommend getting any more than four filled in one appointment. The process involves trauma to the tooth, and it’s important to give the tissue time to heal in between. We don’t want to overload your mouth all at once.
How many cavities are normal?
Cavities are one of the most common health problems. Over 90% of adults in the US have had at least one cavity in their mouth. On average, adult patients have had around 3-4 cavities in their lifetime.
Do I have a cavity?
Some of the most common symptoms of a cavity include pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, or seeing a dark portion or small hole in your tooth. You can’t see cavities in all instances. Call your dentist if you’re experiencing pain or other symptoms that are out of the ordinary for you. We have diagnostic tools like x-rays to determine the cause of your dental issues.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Are you looking for a Monroe or Charlotte, NC, area dentist office? Schedule an appointment with Union County Center for Comprehensive Dentistry today. We are currently accepting new patients!
Dental cavities are highly preventable. Tooth decay can be treated by visiting your dentist in Monroe, NC, regularly. Whether you are new to the Charlotte area or just trying to find a new dentist, consider Dr. Leonard Hess at the Union County Center for Comprehensive Dentistry.