What is a cavity, and how is it related to tooth decay?
A cavity is basically an area of the tooth that's been damaged by decay. Bacteria in our mouths produce acids that weaken the teeth. Eventually, if that continues, the tooth starts to break down, and you get an actual hole, or cavity.
What causes a cavity to form?
It's usually a combination of bacteria, carbs or sugars, and time. It's not only candy. Crackers, chips, juice, sweetened coffee, and other foods and drinks that feed those bacteria throughout the day can contribute. Frequent snacking and sipping can actually be a bigger problem than having dessert once and being done with it.
What does a cavity look like, and how is it different from a stain?
That's tricky because you really can't always tell by looking. A cavity can look brown or black, but sometimes it looks completely normal from the outside. Plenty of dark spots are just stains. That's why we use an exam and, when needed, X-rays rather than having patients diagnose themselves in the mirror.
What does a cavity feel like, and do cavities always hurt?
No, and this is probably the biggest misconception about cavities. A cavity doesn't have to hurt. Early cavities often have no symptoms at all. By the time a tooth is really hurting, the decay may already be much deeper. If it doesn't hurt, unfortunately, that doesn't always mean nothing's wrong.
How long does it take for a cavity to form?
There really isn't one set timeline. Some cavities progress really slowly over years, while others can progress much faster. Diet, oral hygiene, dry mouth, fluoride exposure, and even the individual tooth can all play a role.
What are the most common symptoms of a cavity?
Cold or sweet sensitivity, pain when biting, food constantly getting stuck in the same area, or a toothache are all reasons to come in. But again, cavities can be completely silent. That's why routine exams and X-rays when appropriate are so important. We'd much rather find something small before your tooth starts announcing it.
How can you know if you have an early cavity?
Usually, you can't tell on your own, and that's exactly why preventive visits matter. We may see early changes during an exam or on an X-ray long before you feel anything. Catching decay early generally gives us an opportunity for simpler, more conservative treatment.
Can cavities go away on their own?
Once there's an actual hole in the tooth, unfortunately, it doesn't grow back. Teeth are amazing, but they don't heal themselves the way a cut on your skin does. At that point, we usually need to remove the decay and restore the tooth.
Can you reverse a cavity if it's caught early enough?
Sometimes we can stop or remineralize very early decay before an actual cavity forms. Fluoride, improving home care, and changing certain dietary habits can help strengthen that weakened enamel. Once the enamel has actually broken down and there's a hole, though, we generally need to restore it.
What should patients expect during a cavity filling?
Honestly, it's usually much easier than people imagine. When needed, we get the tooth nice and numb, remove the decayed part of the tooth, and replace it with a filling, usually tooth-colored. Our goal is to restore the tooth so it's healthy, functional, and comfortable again. For many patients, the anticipation is worse than the appointment.
How are different types of cavities treated?
The basic idea is the same. We remove the decay and restore the tooth, but the approach can be different. Cavities between teeth often show up on X-rays. Molars have deep grooves that commonly collect plaque and food. With front teeth, we're also very conscious of appearance, so we're matching the color and shape as closely as possible.
What are the best ways to prevent cavities?
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss or clean between your teeth every day, and keep up with your dental visits. I also tell patients to pay attention to how frequently they're exposing their teeth to sugar and carbs. Your teeth would much rather you have a treat and move on than sip or snack on something sugary for five hours.
Are there any specific products you recommend to prevent cavities?
My number one is pretty simple: a fluoride toothpaste. For patients who are more cavity-prone, we may recommend a higher-fluoride prescription toothpaste or other fluoride products. An electric toothbrush and something you're actually willing to use every day to clean between your teeth can also make a big difference. The best products are the ones you'll consistently use.
Understanding your dental care options is an important part of protecting your oral health. Contact us at (551) 383-4441 or email [email protected] with any questions.