Everything You Need to Know About Dental Cavities
Hello, I'm Dr. Alex Matheson here at Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center. We get a lot of questions here about tooth cavities, and that's what we deal with on a daily basis: tooth cavities. Today, I'm going to be answering some common questions that we get about cavities in hopes of giving you a better understanding of this topic.
What are dental cavities?
Dental cavities occur when the bacteria that live in our mouths create a hole in our tooth. They do this by secreting acid, which pulls the minerals out of our teeth. At a certain point of demineralization, the tooth cavitates, creating a literal hole that continues to grow until it reaches the middle of the tooth, where the nerve is. That's when it starts hurting. So that's what a cavity is.
What causes cavities?
Cavities are caused by the acid that the bacteria make inside our mouths. We all have bacteria, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's normal. However, when we don't brush and floss appropriately, these bacteria replicate more than we want, creating plaque—the white, gooey substance on our teeth. This plaque provides an ideal environment for cavities to secrete acid across our teeth, pulling the minerals out. Therefore, it is the bacteria in our mouths causing these cavities.
How does a dentist check for cavities?
When a dentist is checking for cavities, there are a couple of things we do. One is taking X-rays because you can't visibly see small cavities between teeth. It's important to take X-rays to see cavities forming in between the teeth, which is when we want to catch them. The other method is using a dental explorer. Many of you know it as that little pokey tool that scratches around on your teeth. We look for any areas that are soft when pressed, as that's a sign of a cavity.
Can a cavity spread to other teeth?
Cavities can spread. They'll certainly spread on the tooth they are on, continuing to grow, but often, when there's a cavity on one tooth, it sets up a situation where there's a high level of bacteria in that area. This bacteria, which produces acid, can also affect the tooth next to it. So yes, it definitely can spread.
What are the stages of a cavity?
The first stage of a cavity involves the bacteria pulling minerals out of our teeth, often causing discoloration. We might see a really white, chalky area on the tooth, known as the demineralization phase.
After this, it will cavitate, literally creating a hole in the tooth that needs attention. The cavity will continue to spread, initially in the enamel or outer layer, then into the dentin, the layer beneath the enamel. In the dentin, the cavity progresses faster than in the enamel. Ultimately, it reaches the nerve of the tooth, typically when you call the dentist out of necessity because it hurts. Our goal is to stop cavities before this point, which is why we encourage six-month checkups to catch them while they're smaller.
Is it possible for cavities to go away?
At the very beginning stages of a cavity, when it's just demineralizing, it is possible to reverse that process. There are several things we can do. The most important is appropriate brushing and flossing, which our hygienists at Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center will guide you on.
When we see a cavity forming, we encourage alternative forms of fluoride. Besides fluoride from toothpaste, we can use silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in the office. This drug can reverse the process, stopping or even reversing cavities. That's why we recommend coming in every six months for X-rays and early intervention with SDF if necessary.
How do you stop a cavity from progressing?
The best way to stop a cavity from progressing, if it's small enough, is using silver diamine fluoride. Once the cavity penetrates the enamel, we need to physically remove it. This involves numbing, drilling out the cavity, and placing a filling. This process is the best way to stop a cavity once it's fully formed.
How long do cavity fillings last?
The longevity of a cavity filling depends on several factors. It depends on the dentist's work, ensuring the filling's edges are well sealed. Home care is crucial; flossing daily, brushing twice a day, using fluoridated toothpaste, and coming in every six months for checkups help fillings last longer. If done well, fillings can last for many years, which is ideal.
Can dental cleanings prevent cavities?
Professional dental cleanings, typically every six months, significantly help prevent cavities. The hygienist removes plaque where bacteria hide and tartar, which is hardened plaque. This process prevents cavities and gum disease since these deposits are homes for bacteria. The hygienist can also apply a fluoride treatment, offering a higher dose of topical fluoride than daily toothpaste, further preventing cavities.
What should I do if I suspect I have a cavity?
If you suspect a cavity, call us at Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center, (480) 888-8123 . We'll schedule a free no-cost consult to examine your teeth and take X-rays if needed. Sweet or cold sensitivity are signs of a cavity, so if you experience these symptoms, contact us for an appointment as soon as possible.
Is not brushing teeth the only reason for cavities?
Not brushing is a major cause of cavities, but not the only one. Flossing is equally important, as brushing doesn't clean between teeth where most cavities form. Using fluoride toothpaste is also crucial; switching to non-fluoride toothpaste often leads to more cavities.
Regular dental visits every six months complete the prevention strategy by keeping teeth clean and treated with topical fluoride.
Is it too late if a cavity hurts?
If a cavity hurts, it's never too late to seek help. Pain may indicate a need for more than a filling, depending on the pain's quality. A quick zing from cold sensitivity might only require a filling, but prolonged toothache may need further treatment.
Regular six-month checkups catch cavities early, preventing more extensive procedures like root canals, crowns, or implants.
Once a cavity has been filled, can it come back?
Even after a filling, a tooth can develop another cavity. Continuous six-month checkups, flossing, brushing, and fluoride use are essential to prevent future cavities, even on previously treated teeth.
If you’re looking for dental care you can trust, call us at (480) 888-8123 or email [email protected]. We’re here to help you have the smile you've always wanted!