Dentists - Answers About Tooth Decay

According to dentists, tooth decay is one of the most common diseases suffered by adults and children alike. So what is a cavity and how is it treated?

What is tooth decay?

It isn’t as simple as sugary sweets breaking down the tooth’s enamel. Decay happens when bacteria starts to break apart the surface of the tooth, eventually wearing a way a hole that can vary in depth depending on the damage. This hole is often referred to by dentists as a cavity. They can form on any tooth and at any location and vary greatly in size. If left untreated, they will continue to worsen until the entire tooth and even surrounding teeth become affected.

What causes it?

The simple answer dentists give you for cavities is too much sugar and not enough brushing and oral care, and while that is true to an extent, formation of tooth decay is more complex. There are some rare diseases and genetic conditions that make people more susceptible to tooth decay due to naturally weaker enamel. Acids found in many sugared foods including soft drinks, sweets, and even some forms of tobacco can contribute to decay. Use of drugs, prescription or recreational, can also greatly increase your risk for developing cavities. Poor oral hygiene habits will help spread the disease more quickly, but some people need to put more effort into brushing than others. Dentists have found that people with deeper grooves located along the top surfaces of the teeth have a much more difficult time removing plaque and sugars, leading to more decay. If you do have deeply grooved teeth, you should invest in a good electric toothbrush and take your time brushing carefully to ensure you are reaching deep enough into the cracks to remove debris.

How long does it take a cavity to form?

You don’t have to rip that chocolate bar out of your child’s hand. Cavities take a while to form even if you aren’t the most diligent brusher and regularly chow down on sweets. In extreme cases, a cavity could technically form within a few months from initial decay, but again this would be quite rare and require complete disregard for any hygiene or sensible diet. More likely, dentists find that cavities take a year or more to fully develop. The bacteria must break down the enamel first which can take some time. Decay that forms within the root of the tooth can happen more rapidly as the material is much weaker than enamel.

How can cavities be treated?

As with most medical treatments, dentists recommend prevention and early detection for the best possible outcome. Very small cavities can be reversed if not too much of the enamel has been destroyed, but these must be caught quickly and cared for diligently. More than likely, when dentists spot cavities or a patient comes in for treatment of pain, it is already too late. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed with a drill and then filled in with one of several substances available that acts as new enamel for the tooth. If the damage is too extensive, the tooth may need to be completely extracted and replaced with an implant, crown, or other form of cosmetic dentistry.