Even by adopting healthy oral hygiene habits, like eating less sugary foods, brushing twice a day and visiting the dentist biannually, many people are surprised to find cavities during dental appointments.
Here are some answers to questions that are regularly asked by people during routine dental check-ups that may help you better understand.
How do cavities form?
All teeth are made up of mineralized tissue. Whenever you eat or drink sugary or carbohydrate-based foods, the bacteria in your mouth produce acid, which attacks the enamel (the outermost layer of the teeth). This lowers the pH in your mouth, making it more acidic and causing the mineralized tissues of the teeth to lose minerals, which makes them more prone to decay.
After eating or drinking, it takes about 30-60 minutes for the pH in your mouth to return to normal. However, if you don’t allow your mouth enough time to recover after consuming sugary or starchy foods the process starts again and acid continues to form and attack your teeth.
What is dental caries?
Dental caries results from the interaction of certain bacteria, an inadequate diet, and poor oral hygiene. When these factors combine, they lead to the partial or total destruction of the tooth. It is widely recognized that this oral disease affects nearly 90% of the population.
What are the development phases of cavities?
Phase I (White spot on the surface of the tooth)
At this stage of development, dental caries can still be treated non-invasively as it is still reversible.
Stage II (Dental caries in enamel)
Stage III (Dentine Caries)
When the caries lesion has already reaches stage III, it means that there is already an invasion of a more internal area of the tooth, the dentine layer, which protects the dental pulp. This proximity to the tooth’s center (dental pulp) may cause sensitivity to cold, sugary foods, or even pain. As a result, urgente treatment is necessary to prevent the caries lesion from progressing further.
Stage IV (Invasion of the dental pulp)
Moving on to this stage, the caries lesion has already invaded the innermost part of the tooth, the dental pulp. The pulp is the area responsible for the vitality of the tooth, which is made up of nerve and blood tissue. The affection of this part of the tooth leads to the compromise of its vitality. In most cases, root canal treatment (endodontic treatment) is carried out at this stage.
Failure to treat at this stage, the disease will progress leading to infection of the whole tooth and a possible abscess.
In more advanced cases, the restorative treatment of the tooth may no longer be viable and its extraction may be necessary.
Which treatment is indicated?
The indicated treatment always depends on the stage of dental caries development. In an initial phase, a simple restoration with composite resin may still be viable. When the lesion has advanced to the innermost tissue of the tooth, causing irreversible inflammation or infection, devitalization of the tooth (endodontic treatment) is necessary. If, at this stage, the tooth cannot be restored, extracting the tooth and then replacing it with a dental implant will be necessary.
” Can I prevent tooth decay ? “
The following steps will help in its prevention :
- Obey a daily and careful oral hygiene;
- Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste (1450 ppm);
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day;
- Use dental floss or dental tape daily;
- Have a healthy diet avoiding foods and drinks rich in sugar;
- Staying hydrated is very important! Drinking water not only contributes to producing saliva but also nourishes our whole organism.
- Visiting your oral hygienist and/or professional specialist is fundamental for regular check-ups.
- Last but not least, visit your oral hygienist and/or professional specialist for regular check-ups.
Finnaly, if you have any questions about your oral hygiene or suspect a tooth decay lesion, schedule an appointment with a professional!