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Cavities, also called cavities, are the result of untreated tooth decay. Over time, this tooth decay can cause holes that go deep into your teeth, sometimes all the way to the root.
Fortunately, early cavities can be prevented – even cured on their own – with the right approach to oral hygiene.
In this article, we’ll discuss how cavities develop, how to prevent a cavity, and how to reverse the early stages of tooth decay.
Tooth decay and the subsequent development of tooth decay occurs when your teeth are exposed to acids produced by oral bacteria.
Over time, frequent exposure to these acidic byproducts causes the mineral elements of your teeth to break down.
There are five stages of tooth decay that contribute to the development of a cavity:
- Demineralization. The first stage of tooth decay occurs when enamel is exposed to acids from bacteria that interact with sugars and starches.
- Decay of the enamel. The second stage of decay occurs when the enamel continues to break down. At this stage, holes (cavities) may form in your teeth.
- Dentin decay. The third stage of tooth decay occurs once the tooth decay has reached the dentin, which is the soft tissue beneath the enamel. At this stage of decay, the cavity will likely be painful.
- Pulp decomposition. The final, major stage of tooth decay is when the cavity reaches the pulp, which houses the nerves and blood vessels in your tooth. Once the pulp is reached, the inflammation is more extreme.
- Abscesses. These can happen when the bacteria inside the cavity spreads under the pulp and forms a pocket of pus. In some cases, a tooth abscess can go unnoticed – but most of the time, abscesses are extremely painful.
There is no specific timeline for how long it takes for a cavity to develop. Tooth decay is affected by several factors.
However, poor oral hygiene has the biggest effect on how quickly a cavity will develop.
A cavity can usually be reversed if caught early or in the early stages of the descaling process, the first step of tooth decay.
At this stage, good oral hygiene is imperative to restore the minerals in your teeth and prevent tooth decay. This specifically includes regular brushing and flossing as well as frequent exposure to fluoride, a metal that helps strengthen your tooth enamel.
Unfortunately, tooth decay cannot always be prevented, even with improved oral hygiene. In these cases, the treatment for the cavity depends on how deep the decay has gone.
Treatment options for a cavity may include:
- Fillings. For smaller cavities, resin or composite filling is used.
- Inserts or inserts. An inlay or pad is used for cavities that are too large for normal filling.
- Crowns. A metal or porcelain crown may be necessary when a cavity affects a larger portion of your tooth.
- Roots. A root canal inserts filling material into the inner part of your tooth, known as pulp. Root canals are used when the pulp is damaged or infected.
- Exports. Tooth extraction is reserved for when tooth decay can no longer be treated
Although it is possible to reverse the onset of tooth decay, maintaining good oral hygiene is still the best way to prevent cavities.
Here are some of the most important steps you can take to practice good oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth twice at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. This will help prevent plaque build-up and repair any premature damage that has occurred to the enamel.
- Floss once a day to prevent plaque build-up between teeth. Flossing is best done at night before bed to prevent bacteria from feeding during the night.
- Increase your exposure to fluoride by doing activities such as drinking fluoridated water and using products that contain fluoride. In some cases, you can even ask your dentist for fluoride treatments or prescribe fluoride for you to use at home.
- Limit your exposure to overly sugary or starchy foods. These types of foods contribute more to tooth decay. When you enjoy these sugary foods, be sure to brush your teeth afterward.
- Visit the dentist at least once every 6 months for a cleaning, or more if your dentist recommends more frequent cleanings.
If you have a cavity that needs filling, don’t delay treatment. Filling a cavity right away—even if it’s tiny—can help prevent further decay.
A white spot on a tooth is usually the first sign of a developing cavity. Over time, this white spot can turn brown or black. Eventually, this enamel discoloration will give way to a hole in the tooth.
Other symptoms of a cavity that warrant a visit to the dentist may include:
- sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- sensitivity when eating sweets
- pain when chewing or biting
- toothache or sharp pain, especially when eating
It is always important to schedule annual checkups and cleanings to catch any cavities that may develop. Catching a cavity early is the best way to prevent tooth decay from spreading to the dentin or pulp of your teeth.
Cavities are considered one of the most common forms of tooth decay and are perhaps one of the easiest forms to treat.
Fortunately, the early stages of a cavity can be reversed by taking steps toward good oral hygiene.
During early scaling, fluoride exposure, daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleanings can all help prevent — or even reverse — tooth decay.
