Tooth Decay (Cavities): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Tooth decay, commonly referred to as cavities, is one of the most widespread dental issues affecting people of all ages. It not only causes discomfort but can also lead to serious health complications if left untreated.

Understanding tooth decay is vital for everyone, from parents concerned about their children’s dental health to adults looking to safeguard their own teeth. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of tooth decay, covering its definition, stages, symptoms, causes, treatment options, and effective prevention strategies.

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, occurs when one’s tooth surface or enamel is damaged. It is the result of a complex interplay between bacteria, sugars, and the structure of our teeth.

The process begins innocently enough with the consumption of sugary foods and beverages, which provide fuel for harmful bacteria in our mouths.  These bacteria produce acids that attack the tooth enamel, leading to a gradual breakdown of this protective layer.

Over time, this can result in cavities—small holes in the teeth— that can progress deeper into the tooth structure if not addressed.

Tooth decay stages

Tooth decay can be broken down into five distinct stages, namely:

Initial demineralisation

This is the earliest stage of tooth decay. Bacteria in dental plaque produce acids that begin to weaken the tooth’s enamel. You might not notice any symptoms, but microscopic changes are occurring in the tooth’s structure.

Enamel decay

If the demineralisation continues, it breaches the enamel. At this point, the damage becomes permanent, and small holes (cavities) form on the tooth’s surface.

Dentin decay

If left untreated, the decay progresses to the dentin, the layer beneath the enamel. This stage is typically accompanied by increased sensitivity and potential mild pain. The softer dentin decays more quickly than enamel, as it is less resistant to acid, making the progression of decay faster.

Pulp damage

When decay reaches the tooth’s pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, you’ll experience significant pain. The pulp becomes inflamed and infected, often requiring more invasive treatments like root canal therapy.

Abscess

An untreated infection in the pulp can lead to an abscess, a painful pocket of pus at the root of the tooth. This final and most severe stage of tooth decay occurs when the infection spreads beyond the tooth’s root, causing severe pain, swelling, and potential systemic health risks.

Tooth decay symptoms

Recognising the signs of tooth decay early can save you from extensive treatment later. Here are some key symptoms to watch for:

• Tooth sensitivity: Discomfort when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
• Visible spots or holes: White, brown, or black discolourations, especially on the enamel.
• Toothache: Persistent or occasional pain, particularly when chewing.
• Bad breath: Chronic foul breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
• Swelling or Abscesses: Advanced decay can cause noticeable swelling around the affected tooth.

What causes tooth decay?

When an individual consumes sugary or starchy foods, the residual bacteria metabolises the sugars and release acids that attack the enamel. This conseqently leads to its gradual breakdown.

Risk factors for tooth decay

Several factors can considerably increase one’s risk of tooth decay, for instance:

Location of tooth

A tooth’s susceptibility to decay can be greatly influenced by its location in the mouth.  Harder-to-clean teeth, like molars and premolars with deep pits and grooves, are more likely to accumulate plaque and develop cavities.

Furthermore, misaligned teeth may be hard to reach for a toothbrush or floss. This, in turn, raises the risk of plaque accumulation—and thus, the risk of decay.

Certain types of food and drinks

One of the main propellers of dental decay is diet. Foods and drinks that are heavy in sugar and acid, such as, fruit juices, sodas, and candies, might encourage the growth of oral bacteria. Furthermore, enamel may be incrementally eroded by acidic meals like citrus fruits and some carbonated sports drinks.

Frequent snacking

Frequent snacking and consumption of sugary beverages might expose teeth to prolonged acid exposure. The mouth typically gets acidic for up to 20 minutes after consuming any sugary food or beverage. This continuous exposure greatly raises the risk of cavities by preventing enamel from healing in between meals.

Bedtime feeding (Babies)

Putting a baby to bed with a bottle containing milk or juice may cause tooth decay in children, often referred to as “baby bottle decay.”

Age

Both children and older adults are at higher risk. Kids tooth decay often results from poor brushing habits, while older adults may face decay due to receding gums.

Worn-out dental fittings

Over time, dental fillings may wear down or become damaged— creating spaces where bacteria can thrive. In practice, these worn-out fittings do not provide adequate protection against decay and may lead to new cavities forming around them.

Heartburn & eating disorders

Over time, one’s enamel may be eroded by stomach acids that are exposed to teeth through acid reflux. Similar to this, frequent vomiting exposes teeth to strong stomach acids, which may cause severe enamel erosion in people with eating disorders like bulimia.

How to treat tooth decay?

Fortunately, there are several effective ways to treat tooth decay, depending on its severity.

Fluoride

Flouride is essentially the first line of defense against tooth decay. It is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen the tooth enamel and reverse early-stage decay. It functions by promoting the process of remineralization whereby minerals are deposited back into the enamel after being lost due to acid attacks from bacteria in dental plaque.

Depending on the needs and preferences of each individual, fluoride treatments can be applied in a variety of ways. For instance, as varnishes, gels, and rinses. For example, dentists may apply a concentrated fluoride varnish directly onto teeth to dramatically lower the incidence of cavities.

Fillings

For cavities that have progressed beyond the initial demineralization stage, dental fillings are a viable treatment option. During this procedure, the dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and methodically fills it with a suitable material to restore its function and shape.

Various materials may be utilised for fillings, including composite resin, amalgam, gold, or porcelain. Each of these offers disparate benefits in terms of durability and aesthetics.

Root canal

If tooth decay has progressed to the pulp, a root canal might be required to preserve the tooth. During this surgery, the infected or damaged pulp inside the tooth is removed.

Subsequently, the root canals are cleaned and disinfected before being sealed to prevent further infection. Afterward, a crown is frequently fixed to restore the tooth’s strength and usefulness.

Tooth extraction

Extraction may be necessary if the tooth’s structural integrity is severely compromised by severe decay. It entails extracting the impacted tooth completely in order to stop additional issues like infections or harm to nearby teeth.

Bridges or dental implants may be implemented as alternatives to replace the extracted tooth.

How to prevent tooth decay?

Prevention is always better than cure. Here’s how you can protect your teeth from decay:

• Brush and floss daily: Use fluoride toothpaste and brush at least twice a day. Flossing removes plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Limit sugary and acidic foods: Reduce consumption of sweets, soda, and other high-sugar items that contribute to plaque buildup.
• Drink water: Drinking water, especially fluoridated water, helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
• Chew sugar-free gum: Gum stimulates saliva production, which neutralises acid and strengthens enamel.
• Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and prevention.

When to see a dentist?

Tooth decay may be caused by inadequate fluoride exposure, excessive sugar intake, and poor oral hygiene habits. As such, regular dental checkups, flossing, and brushing with fluoride toothpaste are crucial for preserving oral health.

Furthermore, diet is important. For example, cutting less on sugary snacks and drinks may greatly reduce the chance of tooth decay.

You should consult a dentist if you experience any symptoms of tooth decay or if it has been more than six months since your last checkup. Early intervention can prevent further complications and save your teeth from extensive damage. If you need assistance, find a dentist near you here.

Conclusion

All things considered, tooth decay is a prevalent oral health issue that impacts people of all ages. It typically starts with demineralisation of tooth enamel, which is the hard outer coating of teeth. This is mostly brought about by the acids that bacteria in dental plaque create.

Consuming starchy or sugary foods causes these bacteria to break down the sugars and release acids that damage the enamel, gradually deteriorating it. Although tooth decay may not cause any symptoms at first, it can eventually cause painful cavities and increased sensitivity to hot or cold meals. If it reaches the deeper layers of the tooth —when treatment is not received— it may result in infections and excruciating pain.

Overall, tooth decay is a preventable and treatable condition when caught early. You can take charge of your dental health by learning about the signs, symptoms, and causes of tooth decay and mitigating them by practising good dental hygiene. Stay vigilant for signs of decay, and make regular visits to your dentist a priority. Your smile is worth it!