DENTAL CAVITIES 

We all know it as ‘tooth decay’ and a lot of us are guilty of brushing it off until we reach the point where we are struggling to deal with the pain and cringing from how bad our teeth look. 

And then we think about all the little things we could have done to avoid going to the dentist (why was it so hard for me to brush my teeth after dinner?!) and end up having to cure something we could have prevented in the first place. 

So if you’ve been avoiding that visit to the dentist despite the little signs, here’s why you need to do something now!

What is it? 

Cavities are a result of tooth decay. Tooth decay takes place when the tooth’s hard protective surface layer, enamel, wears off due to acid which are made from ‘plaque’ which has germs that feeds on sweet food. 

Untreated, the tooth decay starts creating small holes in the tooth surface. These are known as cavities and if you still let it go untreated it will just keep getting bigger and bigger, even to the extent that it destroys the tooth. 

What does it look like? 

Why should you be worried?
Well, cavities are not just about bad teeth; studies show that it tends to have a bigger impact on your quality of life, especially for children. 
A study done in 2012 shows that dental cavities can cause chewing and speech impairment, cause psychological issues such as trouble sleeping, irritability and prevent the child from social interaction such as smiling and even speaking due to insecurities. 

Do you have cavities? 
Check these symptoms!

• Toothache
• Tooth sensitivity
• Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold
• Visible holes or pits in your teeth
• Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth
• Pain when you bite down

The 5 Stages of Tooth Decay 

• Stage 1 : White Spots

Due to the loss of calcium, white or yellowish spots will begin to appear on the surface of the tooth.

Remedy  - Use fluoridated toothpaste.

• Stage 2 : Enamel Decay

Tooth enamel starts breaking below the surface layer, with surface intact. If untreated, the surface will also start to break.

Remedy – Visit dentist for a filling. 

• Stage 3 : Dentin Decay

The decay has gone deeper into the dentin. Pain will begin to intensify. 
Remedy – Visit dentist for a filling.

• Stage 4 : Pulp Infection

The pulp of the tooth will begin to get infected due to bacteria and causes blood vessels and nerves in the pulp to die.
Remedy – Root canal

• Stage 5 : Formation of Abscess

The infection has reached the root tip of the tooth. Severe pain will follow due to bones surrounding the tooth getting infected. 
Remedy -  Root canal therapy  or removal of infected teeth.

When does it start to hurt?

Well, the bad thing about cavities is that they don’t hurt until it’s really bad.  This is why you should look out for the subtle signs – pain when eating something cold or hot, or pain in the night which indicates that the decay has reached the nerves. 

When do you need to see the dentist?

As soon as you feel pain sensations eating or drinking anything cold/hot – it’s time to visit the dentist. Do not postpone till it gets worse. Good thing about dental cavities is that it’s easily reversible if detected and treated early on. 

DID YOU KNOW?

• Tooth decay is the number one chronic childhood illness.
• People who tend to drink 3 or more glasses of soda have 62% more chance of tooth decays, fillings and tooth loss than others.
• Milk can help prevent tooth decay.
• Tooth decay is nearly 100% preventable! 

Text by Panchali Illankoon