Cavity formation cavities are more common in the developed world due to the increased availability and consumption of simple sugars in our diet. When consumed, bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and produce acids as a result. Acids attack the protective coating of the tooth’s enamel and erode the dental tissue if left unaddressed.

Brushing the teeth with a dentist-recommended toothpaste after each meal is ideal but brushing a minimum of twice daily is considered the recommended minimum. Brushing teeth works to scrub away bacterial deposits that have developed on the tooth’s surface, and the small amount of fluoride contained in the toothpaste assists in strengthening the protective enamel. Many people neglect to include flossing in their daily routine, however, brushing the teeth is only capable of reaching a maximum of 60% of the surface area of your teeth. Teeth that touch edge-to-edge may be susceptible to cavity development when flossing is not done routinely as a compliment to your oral health routine.

Many people who have developed cavities are unaware of the concern until it produces pain in the mouth. Regular dental exams and professional cleaning are important for early detection and possible reversal of cavity formation. Early signs of decay are small white inclusions on the teeth, indicating that the enamel area has stopped remineralizing. Eventually, the lesion will erode into a cavity formation. Before this occurs, however, a cavity may be reversible. A small stain with a shiny presentation indicates a reversal of a cavity.

Once decay progresses beyond the coating of enamel, it can move through the dentin in the tooth, eventually infecting the pulp of the tooth. This can produce a pained response in the cavity sufferer and can result in the death of the tooth. Dental cavities that progress to the point of tooth death require root canal therapy or removal to treat. Treating your dental cavities in a timely fashion is the best way to protect your systemic health, as infections can move beyond the teeth into bone tissue or the bloodstream in severe cases.

Some circumstances increase the risk of dental cavities, including diabetes, smoking, and some oral medications (antidepressants and antihistamines), which can decrease the amount of saliva in the mouth. Patients with periodontal disease are more likely to experience decay toward the root of the teeth, as bacteria cause gums to inflate and recede. Tooth roots do not enjoy the same natural protection as the crown of the tooth, which is covered with enamel. As a result, root decay can progress up to 2.5 times faster than cavities on the upper tooth.

If your dentist determines that you do have a cavity, you will be scheduled for a filling. The process of getting a filling begins with a local anesthetic to numb the nerves of the tooth in preparation for the procedure. Once the nerve is numb, your dentist will begin using a dental drill to remove the affected tissues from the area of the tooth experiencing decay. Once the decay and bacteria have been removed, your dentist will use a filling compound to replace the part of the tooth that has been impacted by decay. Once the filling is hardened, your tooth will be cleaned and rinsed, and you will be discharged with instructions to be mindful of eating and drinking before soft tissues in the mouth get their sensation back.