About Tooth Cavities
Tooth cavities are caused by plaque buildup in your teeth. It can lead to tooth
sensitivity and pain. However, there are many treatment options. Dr. Tom works with dentists all over the valley and is always happy to talk with your dentist should a cavity develop while you have braces. We do encourage you to take the precautions outlined below to avoid getting cavities during your treatment and beyond. We want you to have your teeth for the rest of your life.
What are cavities?
A cavity, also called tooth decay, is a hole that forms in your tooth. Cavities start small and gradually become bigger when they’re left untreated. Because many cavities don’t cause pain in the beginning, it can be hard to realize that a problem exists. Regular dental appointments can detect tooth decay early.
According to the Mayo Clinic, cavities and tooth decay are some of the most common health problems in the world. Anyone with teeth can develop cavities, including babies.
Finding out that you have a cavity might come as a surprise. This is especially true if you think you have a good oral hygiene routine. Even if your dentist breaks this news to you, know there are ways to treat a cavity and prevent new ones from forming.
Symptoms of tooth cavities
The symptoms of a cavity depend on the severity of the decay. They include:
- tooth sensitivity
- tooth pain
- a visible hole in your tooth or teeth
- black or white staining on your teeth
Causes of tooth cavities
Tooth cavities are caused by plaque, a sticky substance that binds to teeth. Plaque is a combination of:
- Bacteria
- Acid
- food particles
- saliva
Everyone has bacteria in their mouth, that isn’t a bad thing. However, after eating or drinking foods with sugar, bacteria in your mouth turn sugar into acid. Plaque starts forming on your teeth soon after eating or drinking anything sugary. This is why regular brushing is important.
Plaque sticks to your teeth, and the acid in plaque can slowly erode tooth enamel. Enamel is a hard, protective coating on your teeth that protects against tooth decay. As your tooth enamel weakens, the risk for decay increases.
Everyone is at risk for cavities, but some people have a higher risk. Risk factors include:
- a poor oral hygiene routine, such as failing to brush or floss daily
- too many sugary or acidic foods and drinks
- not getting enough water
- dry mouth
- eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia
- acid reflux disease, which can result in stomach acid wearing down your tooth enamel
Cavities develop more often in the back teeth, according to the Mayo Clinic. These teeth have grooves and openings that can trap food particles. Also, these teeth are sometimes harder to reach when brushing and flossing. This is one reason we recommend also using a mouth wash, either directly in the mouth or through a water flosser.
Treatment options for tooth cavities
Tell your dentist about uncomfortable symptoms like tooth sensitivity or pain. Your dentist can identify tooth decay after an oral exam. However, some cavities aren’t visible from an oral exam. So, your dentist may use a dental X-ray to look for decay.
Treatment options depend on severity. There are several ways to treat a cavity.
Tooth fillings
A dentist uses a drill and removes decayed material from a tooth. Your dentist then fills your tooth with a substance, such as silver, gold, or white composite resin. We recommend you request your dentist avoid silver fillings as some health issues are believed to stem from this type of filling.
Crowns
For more severe decay, your dentist may place a custom-fit cap over your tooth to replace its natural crown. Your dentist will remove decayed tooth material before starting this procedure.
Root canal
When tooth decay causes the death of your nerves, your dentist will likely perform a root canal to save your tooth. They remove the nerve tissue, blood vessel tissues, and any decayed areas of your tooth. Your dentist then checks for infections and applies medication to the roots as needed. Finally, they fill the tooth, and they might even place a crown on it.
Early stage treatment
If your dentist detects a tooth cavity in its early stage, a fluoride treatment may restore your tooth enamel and prevent further decay.
Dealing with pain
Cavities and tooth decay can be the cause of a lot of pain and discomfort. You may want to find ways to soothe irritation while you wait for your dentist appointment. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are a few things you can do to deal with discomfort temporarily:
- Keep up your oral hygiene routine. Continue to brush and clean all parts of your mouth, including any sensitive areas.
- Try over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Check with your doctor if you can use OTC anesthetics.
- Watch what you eat. Stay away from extremely hot or cold foods when eating or drinking.
Complications from tooth cavities
A tooth cavity can cause a variety of complications if it’s left untreated. These include:
- ongoing tooth pain
- difficulty chewing food
- the development of pus around the infected tooth
- a tooth abscess, which can become infected and trigger life-threatening
complications, like an infection that enters the bloodstream or sepsis - an increased risk for breaking or chipping a tooth
You may cause damage to your tooth that can’t be reversed if you put off seeing a dentist. At this point, the only way to fix the cavity is for your dentist to remove the tooth and replace it with an implant or bridge.
Preventing tooth cavities
Tooth cavities are a common dental problem. With braces a bit of extra time and care can reduce your risk. We suggest doing the following:
- Brush your teeth at least twice per day with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss at least once daily, as recommended by the American Dental Association.
- Eat fewer sugary and acidic foods, like sweets, candy, juice, soda, and refined carbohydrates.
- Limit snacking between meals. The food can get caught in your brackets causing food to be on your teeth for extended periods of time.
- Consider getting dental sealants on your teeth. This would be done by your dentist after orthodontic treatment is completed.
The following foods can help fight tooth decay:
- fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
- calcium-rich foods
- xylitol sugarless chewing gum (It is recommended to avoid chewing gum while wearing braces)
- unsweetened (or sweetened with Stevia® )black or green tea
- plenty of filtered water
Also, don’t forget to visit your dentist at least twice per year (even during ortho
treatment) for regular teeth cleanings. This allows you to get treatment for any problems your dentist finds, and it will help prevent future dental problems.
