Ailments and Situations - Cavities

 
Description

Before cavities, comes plaque...

Plaque is a bacterial buildup that forms on your teeth and has not been washed away. As it begins to feed on sugar and grow stronger, it forms an acid that cannot be simply washed away by saliva. This acid is produced inside the plaque and eventually begins to dissolve the minerals in your tooth enamel (specifically calcium and phosphate), making the surface of your tooth porous. Those holes become bigger until one large hole forms -- a cavity.

 

Symptoms and Signs:

Nerve fibres are not present in tooth enamel. As a result, the initial stages of acid attack and breakdown of tooth enamel is a painless process. It is not until the acid has burrowed under the enamel and reached the dentin that your nerve fibres begin to send a message that something is wrong.

At this point, tooth decay has already begun and a cavity created. Severe toothaches can occur when the cavity has reached the centre of the tooth and has pierced the pulp, which contains nerve fibres. Infection may leave the tooth vulnerable to abscess (infection).

 
Causes:

The presence of bacteria in the mouth and the availability of sugars upon which they feed are the two most significant causes of tooth decay. Poor nutrition and oral hygiene are often underlying causes. A poor diet can result in an excess amount of bacteria in mouth tissues, while poor oral hygiene allows oral bacteria to remain and multiply around gums and teeth. People who eat considerable amounts of refined carbohydrates are also more susceptible to cavities, as are people who snack often without brushing between meals. Some people have unusually high acidity levels in their saliva, making them more vulnerable to tooth decay. Others have higher levels of certain bacteria in their mouths, and are also more prone to cavities.

 
What to Expect:

Again, tooth decay does not cause any symptoms until the disease has advanced considerably. That is why preventative dental check-ups are recommended on a regular basis -- at least once a year. If the area of the tooth is found to be sufficiently decayed, the area will be removed and replaced with some type of filling. Consult your dentist to discuss options.

 

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