Cavities are commonly called dental caries. They are the most common dental problems affecting individuals of all ages. These are tiny holes created in teeth, which lead to food lodgement and if left untreated may lead to severe infection.

What causes Cavities?

Several factors contribute to the cavity formation. Poor oral hygiene is the leading cause, as improper brushing leads to plaque formation on teeth. Plaque is the soft, sticky film of bacteria, food, and saliva. Sugary and starchy substances further fasten the process, providing nutrition to bacteria. Bacteria produce more acid, which dissolves tooth substance. Dry mouth, caused by less saliva secretion, is another contributing factor, as saliva washes off the food debris and neutralizes acid. Frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks like citric fruits and soda and certain teas causes enamel erosion over time, making teeth more susceptible to decay.

Signs and Symptoms of Cavities:

Mild or small cavities often present subtle symptoms in early stages but become more noticeable as they progress. Common signs include:

Sensitivity to cold, hot, and sweet food.

Visible pits or holes in teeth.

Discoloration like black, brown, or grey on the tooth surface.

Tooth pain when chewing.

Persistent bad breath due to food lodgement.

The Stages of Tooth Decay:

Several stages of tooth decay are as follows:

Initial Demineralization: The enamel starts dissolving, appearing as a white spot on the tooth surface.

Enamel Decay: Enamel starts to break down, and decay reaches the dentin.

Dentin Decay: Bacteria reaching dentin causes sensitivity and pain also sometimes.

Pulp Damage: From dentin the decay reaches to pulp, the innermost soft tissue layer, causing severe pain and inflammation.

Abscess Formation: If cavities are left untreated they cause pus formation, severe pain, and swelling.

How to Prevent Cavities?

Proper oral hygiene maintenance is key to preventing cavities. Some of the methods that help to prevent cavities are as follows:

Brush Regularly: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride strengthen enamel and prevents caries.

Floss daily: Flossing is a very essential step in maintaining oral hygiene. It removes food particles which cannot be removed from the brush.

Limit sugar and soda: Reduce consumption of sugary, starchy, and acidic products, which encourage the growth of bacteria.

Drink water: Stay hydrated to rinse away food particles, which contribute to tooth decay.

Use Mouthwash: Antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash makes your enamel resistant to caries.

Regular Dental Visit Visit your dentist regularly in every six months. Get teeth cleaning done in every 6 months, as it prevents tartar deposition and further cavities and other dental problems.

Dental Sealant:Pit and fissure sealants are preventive treatments for dental cavities. They form a shield on tooth surface to protect from bacteria.

Prevention is better than cure!

By following oral hygiene instructions and controlling your food habits, you can protect your smile. Visit your dentist regularly to catch early signs of decay and take necessary action on time to prevent severe infection.

If you are facing any symptoms of dental cavities, call us now to schedule your dental appointment at Multispeciality Family Dental Care, a leading dental clinic in Noida. Dr. Mradul Gupta, MDS, a wellknown dentist with over 13 years experience, provides you professional care such as tooth colored filling, pit and fissure sealant, fluoride treatment, teeth scaling, and much more to ensure your optimal oral health. Protect your smile with our restorative and preventive dental treatment in Noida.