Cavities are one of the most common dental problems and can affect people of all ages. Tooth decay develops when acids produced by bacteria in plaque gradually weaken and damage the hard outer surface of a tooth.

What Are Cavities?

A cavity is a damaged area of a tooth caused by tooth decay. Without treatment, decay can continue to move deeper into the tooth and eventually cause pain, infection, and damage to the tooth’s inner tissues.

Cavities can develop on different surfaces of the teeth, including between teeth, along the gum line, and in the grooves and pits of back teeth.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay begins when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and carbohydrates from the foods and drinks you consume. These bacteria produce acids that attack the enamel covering your teeth.

Repeated acid attacks can gradually weaken the enamel. Over time, a small area of damage can develop into a cavity.

• Plaque buildup
• Frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks
• Inadequate brushing and flossing
• Low fluoride exposure
• Dry mouth
• Deep grooves or pits in the teeth
• Acidic foods and beverages
• Existing dental problems

How Does a Cavity Develop?

Tooth decay is a gradual process. Plaque accumulates on the tooth surface and bacteria within the plaque produce acids. These acids begin removing minerals from the enamel.

At an early stage, the process may appear as a white or chalky area on the tooth. If the damage continues, the enamel can eventually break down and form a cavity.

Once decay reaches the deeper layers of the tooth, treatment becomes more extensive.

Signs & Symptoms of Cavities

Early tooth decay may not cause any noticeable symptoms. This is one reason regular dental examinations are important.

As a cavity becomes larger, you may experience:

• Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
• Sensitivity to sweet foods
• Toothache or discomfort
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Visible holes or pits in the tooth
• White, brown, or dark spots on the tooth
• Food frequently becoming trapped in a particular area

Can Cavities Be Prevented?

Good daily oral hygiene and regular dental care can significantly reduce your risk of developing cavities.

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between your teeth every day.
• Limit frequent sugary snacks and drinks.
• Choose water instead of sugary beverages when possible.
• Maintain regular dental examinations.
• Have professional cleanings as recommended.
• Ask your dental team about additional fluoride protection if you are at increased risk of decay.

Children & Tooth Decay

Children can be particularly susceptible to cavities because their teeth are still developing and their oral hygiene habits are still being established.

Helping children brush effectively, limiting frequent exposure to sugary foods and drinks, and bringing them for regular dental visits can help establish healthy habits early.

Parents and caregivers should also pay attention to how frequently children consume sugary snacks, juices, soft drinks, and other sweetened beverages.

Diet & Tooth Decay

What you eat and how frequently you eat can affect your risk of tooth decay.

Every time you consume sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods, bacteria in plaque can produce acids that attack your teeth. Frequent snacking can therefore expose your teeth to repeated acid attacks throughout the day.

Reducing how often your teeth are exposed to sugar and choosing nutritious foods can help protect your enamel.

Fluoride & Cavity Prevention

Fluoride is an important part of cavity prevention. It helps strengthen tooth enamel and can make teeth more resistant to acid attacks.

Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste is one of the simplest ways to provide your teeth with regular fluoride protection.

Depending on your individual risk of tooth decay, your dentist may recommend additional fluoride treatments or products.

Dry Mouth & Tooth Decay

Saliva helps protect your teeth by washing away food particles, neutralizing acids, and providing minerals that help maintain tooth enamel.

When saliva production is reduced, the risk of tooth decay can increase. Dry mouth can be caused by medications, certain medical conditions, dehydration, and other factors.

If you frequently experience a dry mouth, talk with your dental team so the possible cause and appropriate management options can be discussed.

How Are Cavities Treated?

The treatment for a cavity depends on how advanced the tooth decay is.

Very early changes may sometimes be managed with improved oral hygiene and fluoride treatment. Once a cavity has formed, the damaged portion of the tooth generally needs to be removed and restored.

Depending on the amount of damage, treatment may include a tooth-coloured filling, crown, or other restorative procedure.

What Happens If a Cavity Is Left Untreated?

A cavity will not normally heal on its own once a permanent hole has formed in the tooth. Without treatment, decay can continue to spread deeper into the tooth.

Advanced decay can eventually reach the pulp, where the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels are located. This can cause significant pain or infection and may require more extensive treatment, such as root canal therapy or extraction.

Regular Dental Visits Help Catch Decay Early

Because cavities may not cause symptoms during their early stages, regular dental examinations are an important part of protecting your teeth.

Your dental team can examine your teeth for signs of decay and recommend treatment or preventive measures based on your individual oral health needs.

Protect Your Teeth From Tooth Decay

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, fluoride protection, and regular dental care can all help reduce your risk of cavities.

If you experience tooth sensitivity, pain, or notice a change in one of your teeth, contact Scarborough Village Dental Care so your teeth can be evaluated and appropriate treatment can be recommended.