What causes cavities?
Cavities are mainly caused by bacteria in your mouth. When you don't brush and floss properly, plaque and food particles can accumulate on your teeth and between them. Bacteria in plaque feed on sugars and produce acids that weaken your enamel, eventually causing tooth decay.
If the decay progresses deeper into the tooth, it can reach the pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels are located. This can lead to inflammation, infection, toothaches, and sometimes facial swelling.
We also see a lot of cavities in patients who have dry mouth. Saliva naturally helps protect your teeth by washing away food particles and neutralizing acids. Certain medications and medical conditions can reduce saliva production, increasing your risk of cavities.
Diet is another important factor. Frequently consuming sugary foods and drinks, including candy, soda, and other sweetened beverages, can increase acid production in your mouth.
That's why brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and paying attention to your diet are so important. Brushing before bed is especially helpful because saliva production naturally decreases while you sleep.
How do dentists check for cavities?
There are several ways we check for cavities. One is through dental X-rays, which allow us to identify decay in areas that aren't always visible during a regular examination, particularly between the teeth.
The second is a clinical examination. We use dental mirrors, magnification, and other instruments to carefully examine your teeth and evaluate any areas that may show signs of decay.
We also use intraoral photographs to get a closer look at your teeth and show you what we're seeing. This helps you better understand your oral health and any treatment we may recommend.
What are the stages of cavities?
Tooth decay often begins with demineralization of the enamel. At this early stage, you may notice white spots on the teeth, which can indicate that the enamel is losing minerals.
The good news is that when we catch decay at this stage, we may be able to treat it conservatively. Fluoride and other remineralizing treatments can help restore minerals to weakened enamel before a physical cavity forms, sometimes avoiding the need for drilling or a filling.
As decay progresses, it can move through the enamel and into the dentin, which is the second layer of the tooth. Once a cavity has formed, a filling is often needed to remove the damaged tooth structure and restore the tooth.
If decay continues deeper and affects the pulp, root canal treatment may be necessary. When a significant amount of tooth structure has been lost, we may also recommend a crown to protect and restore the tooth.
In more severe cases, when the tooth is too damaged to be restored, extraction may be necessary. That's why identifying and treating cavities early is so important.
Can cavities spread in your mouth?
Cavities don't directly spread from one tooth to another, but neighboring teeth can develop decay when they're exposed to the same conditions.
For example, when plaque and food particles accumulate between two teeth, bacteria can produce acids that affect both surfaces. That's why we sometimes find cavities on adjacent teeth.
It's also important to understand that established cavities don't simply disappear on their own. In the earliest stages, enamel demineralization may be reversed with appropriate preventive care. However, once a physical hole has formed in the tooth, the missing structure cannot grow back.
That's why we want to identify decay early and recommend the appropriate treatment before the damage becomes more extensive.
How long do cavity fillings last?
Dental fillings can last for many years, and some may last 10 years or longer with proper care. However, their lifespan depends on several factors, including the size and location of the filling, the material used, your oral hygiene, and your biting habits.
Brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, watching what you eat and drink, and keeping up with your recommended dental visits can help maintain your fillings.
Regular examinations also allow us to check for signs of wear, damage, or new decay around existing restorations.
At Palm and Pearl Dental, you come first. Whether you need dental care or simply have questions, call us at (239) 445-4205 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.