Cavities and tooth decay are some of the most common problems to people’s oral health across the globe.

They are most commonly found in children — as they typically consume more sugary foods and brushless regularly — but can affect people of all ages.

To stave off tooth decay and cavities, it’s important to know what they are and how they’re caused. 

That’s why we have put together a helpful guide to help explain the ins and outs of tooth decay and cavities — so you know what to do when faced with them.

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay is the process by which the enamel and other layers of the tooth are broken down due to acids produced by bacteria. If left untreated, it can progress to form cavities, cause pain, and lead to infections or tooth loss (in the worst of cases).

What are cavities?

Cavities are permanent holes or damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth, typically caused by bacteria. These bacteria produce acids that erode the enamel — the protective outer layer of the teeth which is also known as tooth decay.

What causes cavities and tooth decay?

The causes of tooth decay and cavities are relatively simple.

Here’s how tooth decay happens and cavities form:

1. Plaque Formation

Dental plaque is a transparent, sticky film that forms on your teeth. It develops when sugars and starches from your diet are not adequately cleaned off your teeth.

Bacteria thrive on these leftover particles, creating plaque. If plaque remains on your teeth, it can harden into tartar, a more stubborn substance that forms above or below the gumline.

Tartar provides a protective barrier for bacteria, making it harder to remove and increasing the risk of decay. Removing tartar requires professional dental cleaning.

2. Plaque Attacks

Bacteria in plaque produce acids that erode the enamel, the hard, outer protective layer of your teeth. This acid erosion creates tiny holes or weak spots in the enamel, marking the early stages of cavities.

Once the enamel is worn down, the bacteria and acids can penetrate the dentin, the softer layer beneath the enamel. Dentin is less resistant to acid, making the tooth more vulnerable and often causing sensitivity.

3. Continued Damage

If left untreated, decay progresses deeper into the tooth, reaching the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. The pulp becomes inflamed and irritated due to bacterial infection.

Since there is no room for the swelling to expand within the tooth, the resulting pressure on the nerve causes significant pain.

In severe cases, the damage may extend beyond the tooth’s root to the surrounding bone, potentially leading to damage to the surrounding bone and affecting nearby teeth.

Symptoms of cavities and tooth decay

The symptoms of ongoing tooth decay and cavities can vary dramatically depending on where they’re located and how long it’s been happening.

As tooth decay and cavities worsen, you might find that you:

· Are you experiencing toothache and sensitivity around the afflicted region? This can be a moderate ache to an excruciating pain depending on the spread of decay.

· Do you have mild or sharp pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet or salty?

· Are you experiencing things like physical pain when you bite down?

· Do you have brown, black or white staining on the surface of a tooth?

· Physical pain when biting down?

Risk factors of cavities and tooth decay

Anyone with teeth can get tooth decay.
 

However, there are certain behaviours and factors that increase this risk.

The following may increase your risk of tooth decay and cavities:

· Tooth location — Decay most often occurs in your back teeth. Your molars and premolars. These teeth have lots of grooves, pits, crannies, and multiple roots that can collect food particles. That's why they're harder to keep clean than your smoother, easy-to-reach front teeth.

· Certain foods and drinks — Foods that cling to your teeth for a long time are more likely to cause decay than foods that are easily washed away by saliva. These foods include milk, ice cream, honey, sugar, soda, dried fruit, cake, cookies, hard candy and mints, dry cereal, and chips.

· Not brushing your teeth well — If you don't clean your teeth soon after eating and drinking, plaque forms quickly, and the first stages of decay and gingivitis can begin.

· Not getting enough fluoride  —  Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, helps prevent cavities. It also can reverse the earliest stages of tooth damage. Because of its benefits for teeth, fluoride is added to many public water supplies. It's also a common ingredient in toothpaste and mouth rinses. However, bottled water usually does not contain fluoride.

· Younger or older age — Cavities are common in children and teenagers. Older adults also are at higher risk. Over time, teeth can wear down and gums may recede, making teeth more likely to decay. Adults may use more medicines that reduce saliva flow, raising the risk of tooth decay.

· Dry mouth — Dry mouth is caused by a lack of saliva. Saliva helps prevent tooth decay by washing away food and plaque from your teeth. Substances found in saliva also help counter the acid produced by bacteria. Certain medicines, some medical conditions, radiation to your head or neck, or certain chemotherapy drugs can raise your risk of cavities by reducing saliva production.

How to prevent cavities and tooth decay

To stay on top of your oral health and stop the beginning of tooth decay and the formation of cavities in their tracks, follow these tips.

· Maintain proper oral care: Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth using floss or an interdental cleaner.

· Follow a nutritious diet: Minimise sugary snacks and drinks, and focus on eating balanced, wholesome meals.

· Chew sugar-free gum: After eating, sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production, which helps protect teeth.

· Stay well-hydrated: Aim to drink 6–8 glasses of fluids daily, primarily tap water.

· Schedule regular dental visits: Consult your dentist to determine the ideal frequency for check-ups and cleanings.

· Consider dental sealants: Your dentist may suggest sealing the grooves in your teeth with a fissure sealant to reduce the risk of decay.

· Cut down on snacking: Limiting how often your teeth are exposed to acid can help prevent cavities.

· Avoid tobacco: Stay away from all forms of tobacco, including smokeless varieties, to protect your oral health.

How do you treat cavities and tooth decay?

Depending on how early/advanced the tooth decay is, your dentist or oral care professional may use different treatments to fix the teeth and alleviate symptoms.

· Early Stage: Dentists can use fluoride treatments, such as gels, varnishes, or pastes, to repair early tooth decay. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque.

· Cavity: To treat a cavity, the dentist will remove the decayed tissue and restore the tooth using a filling or crown.

· Advanced Decay: When decay extends to the tooth's nerve, a root canal procedure or tooth extraction may be necessary.

· Severe Damage: If the tooth is beyond repair, it may need to be removed and replaced with a bridge or partial denture.

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FAQs

1. Are cavities and tooth decay the same thing?

No, tooth decay and cavities are not the same — but they are linked.

Tooth decay is a disease – caused by bacteria corroding the enamel with the acid they produce.

Cavities are a result of this process happening for too long. Once tooth decay has breached the enamel, holes and pits can begin to form — opening the cavity.

2. Can a cavity heal on its own?

Cavities do not heal on their own and need to be treated as soon as possible to avoid worsening symptoms like pain and further infection.

If you fear you have one, don’t worry! Book an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible — they’ll be able to guide you on treatment options and advise you on how to improve your oral health.

3. What do I do if my tooth is rotting?

If you suspect you have a decaying tooth, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible. Early treatment is not only simpler and more affordable but also helps minimise pain and discomfort.

You might find you need a filling or a root canal depending on the extent of the decay — so it’s best to get it looked at as quickly as possible.