Many of us have heard of the saying 'tooth worms'? Sometimes, when you drink a little cold water, your teeth go numb, or when you eat something sweet, your teeth hurt from the inside. These can be the first signs of tooth decay or cavities. This is actually very common. Anyone from a small child to an elderly person can get this condition. So today, let's talk about what it really is, how it develops, and how to avoid it and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
What exactly is a cavity?
Simply put, a cavity is a hole in a tooth. It is caused by tooth decay. Our teeth have a hard, protective outer covering called enamel. This is what we call it. This enamel is slowly eroded and worn away by certain acids in our mouths, which cause these holes, or cavities, to form.
This has another medical name, which is ``Dental Caries.`` We can prevent this condition to a great extent by practicing good oral hygiene and having regular dental checkups.
What are the main types of cavities?
This tooth decay can start on any surface of the tooth. There are several main types depending on where it occurs. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Cavity type | A simple explanation about it |
|---|---|
| Smooth surface erosion | This is a slow-growing type that dissolves the enamel of the teeth. It can be prevented and sometimes reversed by brushing your teeth properly and keeping your mouth clean. This type of decay usually develops between the teeth in people in their 20s. |
| Pit and fissure decay | These are holes and cavities that form on the surface of the teeth where we chew food. They can also affect the front of the back teeth. This type usually starts in young adulthood and tends to grow quickly. |
| Root decay | Adults with receding gums are more likely to develop this type of gum disease as they age. When the gums recede, the roots of the teeth are exposed. This makes them more susceptible to damage by bacteria and acids. This can be difficult to prevent and treat. |
Who is most likely to develop cavities?
In fact, anyone of any age can develop tooth decay. But it is more common among young children. The reason for this is that young children often do not brush their teeth properly and regularly and consume too many sugary foods and drinks.
Also, cavities can develop in adults too. Sometimes, a tooth that was filled when you were a child can start to decay again around the edges. Also, adults are more likely to have receding gums. Then the roots of the tooth can come out, allowing bacteria to build up and cause decay.
What are the symptoms of tooth decay?
Initially, when only the enamel of the tooth is damaged, there is usually no pain or other symptoms. You only start to feel symptoms when the decay has penetrated the enamel and entered the inner layers of the tooth, called the ``Dentin'' and ``Pulp''.
The main symptoms are these:
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
- Bleeding gums or other signs of gum disease.
- Facial swelling.
- Toothache or mouth pain.
- Tooth numbness when eating cold or hot foods and drinks.
The most important thing is, don't wait for a toothache to appear. By the time you feel pain, the damage may already be far-reaching. It's best to recognize it early.
Stages of tooth decay
Tooth decay doesn't happen all at once. It's a gradual process that takes place over several steps.
| Stage | What happens and the symptoms |
|---|---|
| 1. Demineralization | This is the first stage. As the minerals in the tooth enamel are lost, you may see small, white, chalky spots on the tooth. If treated at this point, it can be reversed. |
| 2. Enamel decay | If left untreated, decay will continue to occur and the enamel will break down further. At this point, you may notice a small hole in the tooth. That white spot may turn a light brown color. |
| 3. Dentin decay | Dentin is the layer beneath the enamel. It is much softer than enamel. Therefore, when bacteria get to this layer, decay occurs much faster. At this point, you may start to feel a tingling sensation in your teeth. The stain on the tooth may turn a dark brown color. |
| 4. Pulp damage | The innermost part of the tooth is called the pulp. This is where the nerves and blood vessels are located. When decay reaches this point, you will start to feel severe pain. The gums around the tooth may become red and swollen. The tooth may become dark brown or black. |
| 5. Abscessed tooth | If left untreated, deep tooth decay can become an infection. A pus-filled abscess forms around the root of the tooth (periapical abscess). The pain can spread to the jaw and face. There may be swelling of the face and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. This can be dangerous. The infection can spread to surrounding tissues and, in rare cases, to the brain or blood (sepsis). |
Why do we get cavities? What is the cause?
There are many reasons for this. The process happens like this:
1. Sugar and bacteria: When you eat foods and drinks containing sugar and starch (fruits, sweets, bread, biscuits, sweet drinks, milk), the bacteria in our mouths eat them.
2. Acid production: Bacteria convert these carbohydrates into acids.
3. Plaque Formation: Bacteria, acids, food particles, and saliva combine to form a sticky film called dental plaque. This is deposited on the teeth.
4. Enamel erosion: When we don't brush and floss our teeth properly, the acids in these toothpastes gradually dissolve the tooth enamel, creating holes or cavities.
Risk factors for developing cavities
Some things can increase your risk of tooth decay:
- Dry mouth (Xerostomia): Some medical conditions or certain medications (such as antidepressants) can cause a decrease in saliva production.
- Eating habits: Frequent consumption of sweet, starchy foods and snacks between main meals.
- Family history: If your family has a tendency to develop tooth decay, you may also be at increased risk.
- Receding gums: This causes the roots of the teeth to be exposed.
- Cancer treatment: If you have had radiation therapy to the head and neck area.
How does a dentist find a cavity?
The best way to catch this early is to see your dentist at least twice a year for a check-up. The dentist will use special instruments to examine your teeth. A tooth with a cavity will feel softer than a normal tooth when touched with the instrument.
In addition, the dentist may also perform dental X-rays. These X-rays can clearly detect cavities that are not visible on the surface of the tooth, such as those between the teeth or under the gums.
What are the treatments for cavities?
The treatment method depends on the extent of your tooth decay.
| Treatment method | What do you do with this? |
|---|---|
| Fluoride Treatments | This is done in the early stages of decay. Fluoride can help strengthen damaged enamel (remineralization). This can reverse decay. The dentist may recommend special fluoride toothpastes and mouthwashes. |
| Dental fillings | When a tooth has a cavity, the dentist will scrape out the decayed part and fill the cavity with a special material. This can be a tooth-colored composite resin or silver amalgam. |
| Root Canal Therapy | This treatment is done if the decay has reached the pulp of the tooth and is causing severe pain. Here, the infected pulp and nerves inside the tooth are removed, the inside is thoroughly cleaned, and the tooth is filled with a special material and covered. This can save the tooth without having to extract it. |
| Tooth Extraction | If the damage to the tooth is too extensive and the decay is too extensive to be saved by the above treatments, the tooth may need to be extracted and removed. After that, an artificial tooth called a ``Dental Bridge`` or ``Dental Implant`` can be placed in the gap. |
How can you avoid this? (Prevention)
Prevention is always better than cure. So, be sure to do these things to avoid tooth decay.
- Brush your teeth twice a day: Brush your teeth in the morning and before bed at night with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. If possible, it's even better to brush after each meal.
- Reduce sweet and starchy foods: Reduce your intake of sweets, biscuits, and sweetened drinks as much as possible.
- Use Dental Floss: Floss daily to remove food particles and dental plaque that get stuck between your teeth.
- Regular dental checkups: Visit a dentist at least once every 6 months to have your teeth checked.
- Dental Sealants: A protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, especially in children. This stops food from getting stuck and prevents decay.
When should you see a dentist?
If you have any of these symptoms, definitely see a dentist:
- If your gums are bleeding.
- If it is difficult to chew food.
- If there are signs of infection (fever, swelling).
- If the face is swollen.
- If you have a toothache or mouth pain.
Take-Home Message
- 'Worms eat teeth' actually means that acids produced by bacteria dissolve the tooth enamel and create holes.
- Since there is no pain in the early stages, be aware of symptoms such as tooth numbness, white or brown spots. Don't wait for the pain to develop.
- Prevention is the best treatment. Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and limit sugary foods.
- By seeing a dentist at least once every 6 months to check your teeth, you can identify cavities before they become a major problem and treat them with simple treatments.
- If you notice any changes, pain, or numbness in your teeth, talk to your dentist about it.
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