Dental cavities (also referred to as dental caries) occur when bacteria in the mouth produce acids which erode away at the outer layer of a tooth’s enamel and decay advances further, reaching into deeper parts and eventually leading to pain and sensitivity throughout both mouth and tooth structures.
Tooth decay primarily impacts children, though it can impact people of any age. Left untreated, tooth decay can lead to extreme toothache and infections that require surgical extractions.
Gum Disease
When cavities form on your tooth surface, early intervention can remineralize it through diet, fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash use and regular dental visits. As soon as a cavity worsens further, however, only treatment from a professional will suffice.
Cavities on your outer enamel may not always be painful, but as decay spreads into the dentin and pulp of your teeth, symptoms become increasingly obvious. As soon as decay reaches this deeper area of the dentin and pulp, persistent, throbbing pain when chewing occurs along with bad breath and increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages.
Adults tend to be at greater risk for cavities due to receding gums that expose tooth roots to plaque and bacteria, and medications which reduce saliva flow that increase their susceptibility to tooth decay.
Infections
An increasing body of evidence points towards oral infections – specifically untreated gum disease – spreading bacteria to distant sites. Oral infections are especially harmful for chronically ill individuals such as those living with diabetes, rheumatic disease or kidney disorders as well as those taking immunosuppressant medication.
Oral bacteria infections can lead to inflammation in blood vessels, potentially leading to an infection known as bacteremia, in which bacteria enter the bloodstream and trigger an immune response which damages organs.
Pregnancy can have a dramatic impact on oral health, with changes to hormones making women more prone to periodontitis and cavities. Recent research demonstrates the correlation between oral health and systemic wellbeing; dental care should be integrated as part of overall healthcare solutions for optimal well-being and this understanding can lead to new opportunities in both prevention and treatment modalities.
Poor Eating Habits
Poor diet can not only lead to tooth decay and gum disease, but can also increase systemic health issues like heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. This two-way relationship between oral hygiene and overall body wellness is known as “oral-systemic.” According to research findings, good oral hygiene must be part of a holistic lifestyle in order for it to promote overall body wellbeing.
To prevent cavities, it’s essential to eat a diet low in sugar that includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Brush twice daily and floss every day while visiting your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings; if this proves cost prohibitive for you there may be programs in your community offering care based on need.
Weight Gain
Your mouth is the gateway to your entire system, and any factors affecting its wellbeing may have an effect on oral health. Proper brushing technique, nutrition and regular dental visits are key ways of maintaining good oral health and can prevent many common issues.
Tooth decay, commonly known as cavities, starts small but can quickly progress untreated. Cavities form when bacteria in your mouth convert sugars from food and beverages into acids which dissolve hard tooth enamel while simultaneously eroding inner dentin layers. Over time this results in plaque build-up which eventually forms holes or cavities within teeth.
People prone to cavities include babies, children and teens (since they do not yet possess permanent teeth); older adults; people who consume large quantities of sugary food and beverages; those suffering from chronic dry mouth or medical conditions that limit saliva production; as well as taking medications that limit saliva production such as antidepressants or cancer treatments.
Mental Health
Tooth decay, commonly referred to as dental caries, occurs when bacteria in the mouth consume sugar from foods and beverages and break down tooth enamel. If left untreated with regular dental hygiene and check-ups/cleanings, cavities will eventually form on a tooth’s surface and lead to further problems such as cavities forming over time.
Fluoride treatments may help reverse early signs of cavities before they spread past enamel, according to some dentists. Brush on liquid, gel, or foam fluoride directly onto teeth or use a tray that fits over them for maximum effect.
Dentists can detect cavities early, using probing and X-ray technology, to spot them before they progress further and cause discomfort and infection. A tooth with a cavity will feel softer than its neighboring ones and, left untreated, could progress into an abscess that damages nerves inside of teeth causing pain and infection.
