What is Dental Cavity? Let's find out exactly what it is!

Hello! There's one word you don't want to hear when you go to the dentist, right? It's "You have a cavity in your tooth." None of us like to have dental problems. So today, let's talk about what cavities, or dental caries as we call them, are, why they form, what to do if they form, and most importantly, how to prevent them from forming. This may seem like a short story, but it's a very important one.

What exactly is a cavity?

Simply put, a cavity is a small hole in your tooth. This happens when the tooth gradually decays and breaks. Although it starts out very small, over time this hole can grow larger and go deep into the tooth. It's like a hole in an apple from a worm, but this happens to the tooth. This is also called dental caries . If you have such a cavity, it is very important to get it fixed quickly. Otherwise, you may have bigger problems later.

Why do we get cavities in our teeth? Who is responsible for this?

Think about how much work our teeth do every day. We eat, talk, smile... So if these teeth are not taken care of properly, it is not surprising that problems will arise. The main culprit in the development of cavities is dental plaque . Do you know what this dental plaque is? It is like a sticky, colorless, slimy film that sticks to our teeth. When you first get up in the morning, do you sometimes feel a little slippery when you put your finger on your teeth? That's what this is. This plaque is mainly made up of germs that live in our mouths, that is, bacteria . These bacteria are very good at using the sugar and starch in the food we eat to make acids . Now imagine, when this dental plaque sticks to your teeth, the acids that those bacteria make are also stuck to the teeth. These acids gradually start to dissolve the strongest outer covering of our teeth, that is, the enamel . Just as small drops of water can damage a stone, these acids gradually destroy enamel.

"Remember, plaque isn't just a little bit of dirt, it's a living film full of cavity-causing bacteria !"

Although this initially only affects the enamel, if you don't see a dentist, these acids continue to penetrate the enamel and begin to damage the inner parts of the tooth. This is when the decay reaches the pulp , which is where the nerve endings are located. That's when the terrible pain of a toothache comes in. Have you ever had a toothache? Or have you seen an adult suffering from a toothache? Most of the time, it's because of a cavity that has gone deep into the tooth. It's scary to think about, isn't it?

What do you do if the dentist finds a cavity?

When you go to the dentist, he or she will examine your teeth very carefully. Sometimes he or she will look through a small mirror, and other times he or she will use a small instrument to look for gaps between your teeth. Also, if necessary, an X-ray may be taken. This X-ray can detect cavities inside your tooth that are not visible from the outside. Imagine that the doctor has found a cavity in your tooth. Don't worry! He or she can fix it. The first thing he or she does is remove the decayed part of the tooth with a special drill . Although this may sound a little loud, it usually doesn't hurt much. Then, the doctor will fill the hole with a special filling material. This is what we call a filling . There are different types of filling materials, some of which are the same color as the tooth, and some are silver. The doctor will choose the one that suits you best.

Does it hurt when you get a tooth filled?

This is a question that many people ask. Sometimes you may feel a little discomfort and pain. But, there is nothing to worry about. Your doctor can give you an anesthetic . This will numb the area around the problem tooth for a while. Then you will not feel any pain until the tooth is filled. It is like losing feeling in your leg when it is numb. So, you can go to the dental check-up without worrying about pain.

Can cavities be prevented? What can we do?

There is a saying that "Prevention is better than cure." It means that it is better to prevent a disease than to treat it. This also applies to cavities. Although cavities can be repaired once they form, it is best to try to prevent them from forming in the first place. Here are some things you can do:

• Brush your teeth with a toothpaste that contains fluoride : You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially after breakfast and before going to bed at night. Fluoride is a special ingredient that strengthens teeth and prevents cavities.
• How to brush your teeth correctly: When brushing your teeth, brush in an up-and-down and circular motion. Simply rubbing back and forth can damage your teeth and gums. Take at least two minutes to brush your teeth.
• Think about your gums too: When brushing your teeth, brush your gums gently. This will help keep your gums healthy.

• Floss daily: There are places where a toothbrush cannot reach, especially the tight spaces between teeth. These areas can harbor food particles and plaque. It is very important to remove these by using dental floss . Flossing at least once a day is a good habit. It may be a little difficult at first, but once you get used to it, it is very easy.

• Limit sugary foods and drinks: Sugar is the main food for those bacteria we talked about earlier. When you eat and drink too much sugar (e.g. chocolate , toffee, cake, sweet drinks, soda, fruit drinks), those bacteria get plenty of food, and they produce more acids. That means the risk of cavities increases. So, eat as little sugar as possible. If you do eat it, rinse your mouth afterward, and brush your teeth if possible.

• See your dentist regularly: It is very important to see a dentist at least twice a year, or every six months, to have your teeth checked. This way, any small problems can be identified and treated as soon as they start. Filling a small cavity before it becomes a big one is easier for you and better for your teeth.

"Remember, your dentist is like your friend. He is there to help you. Go see him without fear or hesitation."

• Eat a balanced diet: Eating calcium -rich foods like milk, yogurt, cheese, vegetables, and fruits is good for dental health.
• Drink plenty of water: Drinking water helps wash away food particles and sugar in your mouth. Also, in some areas, fluoride is added to tap water, which is also good for your teeth.

If you incorporate these habits into your daily life, you have a great chance of avoiding the nuisance called cavities.

Okay, so, here are some take-home messages from what we've talked about:

We've talked a lot about cavities, haven't we? So, the most important things to keep in mind after all of this are these: 1. A dental cavity is a hole in a tooth. This is caused by the acids produced by bacteria in plaque dissolving the enamel of the tooth. 2. If detected early, it's easy to treat. A doctor can remove the decayed part and fill the tooth. 3. Don't be afraid of pain. If necessary, it's treated with an anesthetic. 4. Prevention is the best way to prevent it.

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily.
• Reduce sugary foods and drinks.
• See the dentist every six months.

5. Your smile is precious.A healthy pair of teeth is not only essential for a beautiful smile, but also for good health. So, I hope you now have a good understanding of dental cavities. Try to follow these tips. Then, when you go to the dentist, you will hear the good news that "Your teeth are perfect, no cavities!" Is there anything more satisfying than that? Dental Cavity, Dental Cavity, Tooth Decay, Tooth Glue, Plaque, Dental Fillings, Dental Health