Having a cavity is a common problem. While some are symptom-free, others can cause pain affecting everyday life, so it’s difficult to eat and speak comfortably.
Our West Bowmanville Family Dental dentists can often restore cavities or decay in teeth with dental fillings in Newcastle. However, understanding how cavities develop can help you reduce your risk of this problem.
Tooth decay can cause a cavity in a tooth, which is a gradual process. The different stages are described below.
Dental Plaque Formation
Everyone has dental plaque. It is a sticky biofilm consisting of food particles, proteins, saliva and bacteria. Most plaque is removed when you brush and floss your teeth.
The problem can occur when you don’t clean your teeth properly. The bacteria feed off the sugars and starches left behind on your teeth after meals. They form toxins and acids as a byproduct.
Any plaque that remains on your teeth for longer than a couple of days will harden into tartar or calculus. Tartar makes it easier for more plaque to stick to your teeth and can only be removed during a professional dental cleaning in Clarington.
Acid Erosion
The acid produced by bacteria attacks your tooth enamel, removing some minerals so it becomes softer and less resistant to damage. Repeated exposure to these acids eventually causes openings in the enamel, so bacteria and acids can penetrate the tooth.
At this point, they can reach the next layer of your tooth called dentin. Dentin is less resistant to acids and is much softer than tooth enamel, so it doesn’t take long for a cavity to form.
Tooth Pulp Infection and Inflammation
Hopefully, you will get a cavity filled before the bacteria and acid reach your tooth pulp. This is a collection of tissues, including blood vessels and nerves.
The bacteria can irritate and infect the pulp, causing it to become swollen. As the dental pulp swells, it compresses the tooth nerve, causing toothache.
There is also the risk that the damage could spread to the tooth root or the bone around the tooth, causing a dental abscess.
What Are the Risk Factors for Cavities?
Anyone can develop tooth decay, but certain factors increase your risk. These include:
- Poor oral hygiene, where you fail to clean your teeth frequently or thoroughly enough.
- Snacking on sugary foods and drinks between meals.
- Dry mouth or xerostomia causes a lack of saliva. Without enough saliva, harmful bacteria can thrive.
- Worn dental fillings or other dental appliances can enable plaque to build up around weaker or rougher edges.
- The tooth’s location makes a difference, as your molars and premolars are more prone to developing cavities. This is because they have many grooves and fissures that are harder to keep clean.
Reducing Your Risk of Cavities
Good dental hygiene can go a long way towards avoiding common dental problems like cavities. Below are some easy tips to follow.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss between your teeth daily or use another interdental cleaner like interdental brushes, soft picks or a WaterPik.
- Sip plenty of water to remain hydrated, especially if you have a dry mouth.
- Avoid snacking between meals or choose healthier snacks like fruits and vegetables or dairy products like cheese and sugar-free yogurt.
Above all, book regular dental exams and hygiene appointments in Courtice. We can provide you with a custom preventive dental care plan. Your custom plan considers your oral and medical health and is designed to help you achieve and maintain healthy teeth and gums more easily.