A cavity, also known as tooth decay, is a hole that forms in and/or on a tooth surface. Cavities begin to form in the enamel, which is the white/translucent, outermost layer of our teeth (and also the hardest substance in our bodies!) Cavities can be dark in color or opaque and cloudy looking in some cases. This usually indicates it is a sign of an early cavity. Decay begins as a small hole inside the enamel which can increase in size quickly and move into deeper layers of the tooth if left untreated.
Nourishing our bodies with energy requires the use of our teeth to mash, chew and break down food in order for the food to enter our bodies systemically. However, certain foods that we eat can have adverse effects on our teeth. For instance, foods that contain sugar (simple and complex carbohydrates) are favored by the bacteria that live inside our mouths. Why is that..?
Bacteria love sugars, and when we ingest sugary foods and drinks, the bacteria in our mouths use that sugar as energy. Soon after, the bacteria produce a highly acidic byproduct that essentially eats away at our enamel, causing decay.
Therefore, the more frequently we eat sugary foods, the more potential the bacteria has to produce acid. This leaves our teeth in an incredibly vulnerable environment, making them susceptible to being eaten away by the acid. The more our teeth are exposed to acid, the more demineralization occurs — and when our teeth are consistently being demineralized, cavities begin to form.
Treatment of decay is based on size and location of the lesion. Treatment can range from topical fluoride varnish which will help to reverse the demineralization process of newly formed cavities, to fillings or more extensive restorative procedures in cases that involve larger areas of decay. Untreated dental decay can lead to tooth pain, infection, and loss of vitality of the tooth.Therefore, it is crucial to prevent the progression of cavities as soon as they are detected.
Prevention is a key component to hinder the development of cavities. Limiting the frequency of sugary food consumption and drinks along with a proper oral hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing will significantly reduce your chances of developing cavities. Regular visits to the dentist are also extremely important because your dentist can thoroughly examine your teeth and check for decay and demineralization!
留言