Dental Cavities:

Tooth decay or dental cavity can be the cause of pain and discomfort. Dental cavity is the breakdown of the tooth structure due to tooth decay or dental caries. Factors involved in dental caries formation are bacteria, sugary foods, modifying factors in saliva, oral hygiene, dietary habits and fluoride intake etc.

In the oral cavity, a sticky biofilm called plaque is formed constantly around the tooth. Plaque has bacteria that can convert sugary foods into acids. This acid in the plaque slowly erodes the tooth structure. Tooth demineralization starts in enamel, and then progresses into dentin and pulp.

Dental cavities manifest in various colors and forms. Sometimes, it can be asymptomatic or the person may not be aware of having one. The earliest sign could be the appearance of a white spot on the tooth surface which indicates the initiation of microbial activity. Dental cavities are preventable. Early detection and management can halt disease progression.

Practicing good oral hygiene habits like brushing twice daily, dental flossing can help remove plaque and prevent tooth decay. If the dental caries has extended only up to enamel and dentin, the condition is reversible and can be treated by filling. When the decay has extended beyond dentin and encroached into the pulp, the lesion is said to be irreversible and root canal treatment is the only viable option to save a tooth from being extracted.

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