Did you know that cavities and tooth decay are among the most common health issues in the world? Yes, cavities are more common in children, teenagers, and older adults. If left untreated, cavities become larger and harm deeper layers of your teeth, causing severe tooth infection and sometimes, resulting in tooth loss.

How is cavity or tooth decay formed? 

We all have bacteria in our mouths. After eating or drinking foods containing sugar, bacteria in our mouth turns this sugar into acid. Plaque forms on your teeth shortly after you consume sugary foods or beverages. This Plaque sticks to your teeth and the acid in plaque slowly erodes tooth enamel. Enamel is a hard, protective coating on our teeth that protects against tooth decay. The chances of tooth decay increase as your tooth enamel weakens. Both the exterior coating of a tooth known as enamel and the inner layer known as dentin can be affected by decay.

Symptoms you have been suffering from tooth decay - 

Depending on the tooth decay extent and location, the signs and symptoms of cavities vary. At the very beginning of tooth decay, you may not experience any symptoms. However, as the decay gets larger, you will experience and notice the following signs or symptoms - 

• Toothache 

• Visible holes in the teeth 

• Tooth sensitivity 

• You may experience mild or severe pain while eating or drinking something hot or cold,

• Black, brown or white staining on any surface of a tooth 

• Bleeding gums 

We advise you not to ignore these symptoms and visit your dentist at the earliest to diagnose the case. Earlier detection can prevent the condition from getting worse. 

Are dental cavities only experienced by Children? 

There is a wide misconception that only children are prone to cavities. If you too are of the same opinion, it’s time to drop it! Cavities are an adult problem too. As we age, our gums tend to pull away from our teeth, exposing the roots of the teeth to plaque. Consuming a lot of sugary or high-carb foods will make you highly vulnerable to being affected by cavities. 

At times, older adults suffer from tooth decays due to fillings they may have - fillings can weaken teeth and break. Bacteria can gather in the gaps and cause decay. 

It’s actually very simple - if you have teeth, you’re at risk for cavities!

Risk factors for cavities or tooth decay in adults - 

• Sticky Food: Foods like sugar, soda, milk, ice cream, cereal, and chips are more likely to stick to your tooth surface and cause decay. 

• Poor brushing: Irregular brushing or not brushing after eating can cause plaque formation. 

• Lack of fluoride: Fluoride is a mineral found in toothpaste, mouthwash, and some tap water - It helps to prevent cavities and can reverse early tooth damage. 

• Dry mouth: If you are suffering from dry mouth, consult a dentist. Saliva is a very important part of our mouth as it washes away food and plaque from our teeth and helps prevent tooth decay. 

• Acid reflux or (GERD): Having acid reflux can force stomach acid into your mouth and wear down your teeth, causing cavities. 

• Tooth location: Decay most often occurs in your back teeth (molars and premolars), because these teeth have numerous grooves and multiple roots that can store food particles. And hence, they're harder to keep clean and can have plaque formation stuck for long turning into cavities. 

• Worn fillings or dental devices: Over the years, dental fillings can weaken or develop rough edges. This allows plaque to build up easily around it and makes it harder to remove. 

Treatment for tooth decay or cavities 

Treatment for tooth decay or cavity depends on how severe the cavity is. While most of the time, the dentist will only need to remove the cavity, other times, your dentist may want to go ahead with the following treatment options as required - 

• Dental Filling: A filling made of a silver alloy, gold, porcelain, or composite resin is filled into the hole after the cavity is removed. These materials are safe and are approved by ADA. 

• Crowns: When a tooth is badly decayed and there’s no healthy enamel left, dentists use crowns. The damaged part is treated and repaired and then the dentist will fit a crown made from gold, porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal over the remaining part of the tooth. 

• Root canal: If the root or pulp is dead or injured in a way beyond repair - your dentist will advise you to undergo root canal therapy. In this procedure, the dentist will remove the decayed portions of the tooth, the dead nerve, blood vessels, and tissue, and fill in the roots with a sealing material. You may require a crown over the filled tooth. 

Talk to your dentist or the best dental doctors in Bangalore about the best treatment option.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay or Cavities? 

The best advice we can give you, which will not only save your tooth but also save multiple trips to the dentist is maintaining good oral and dental hygiene - Besides, try these 

• After drinking or eating, brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste

• Rinse your mouth after eating or drinking 

• Visit your dentist regularly

• Consider dental sealants - protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of back teeth - Want to know more? Reach out to us 

• Avoid frequent snacking and sipping 

• Eat tooth-healthy foods

• Try dentist recommended special antibacterial mouth rinses 

Adults who have dental fillings from childhood are highly susceptible to developing cavities around the edges of the old fillings. If you have not visited a dental clinic in the last 6 months, it’s time to book your dental appointment today!