Dental cavities are the demineralization and destruction of dental enamel and dentin. Many factors are involved for a dental cavity to develop, and according to the American Dental Association, 97% of the population worldwide is affected by dental caries.
One of the most crucial factors in the development of dental caries is to carry the responsible bacteria. This Bacteria produces acids as a fermentation byproduct of carbohydrates and sugar. But sometimes just that one factor is not enough to create a significant size caries.
The progression of this acid damage to the tooth surface is affected by salivary flow and composition, frequency of food and drinks consumption, fluoride exposure to the teeth, and frequency of brushing and flossing.
Saliva flow helps to wash off food particles from the teeth. The lesser the contact time of the food with the tooth, the lesser risk of bacteria fermenting such foods and releasing acid.
Saliva is also composed of minerals that help buffer the acids produced by bacteria and prevent demineralization of the tooth. Therefore, those people experiencing dry mouth or low salivary flow have a higher risk of developing cavities.
The number of times we eat or snack matters as well. Every time we eat carbs, sugary or acidic foods, the pH of our mouth decreases, and it stays in an acidic state for about 20 minutes.
Bacteria thrive in acidic environments, so the more often we snack or eat, the higher risk of tooth demineralization. Have in mind that constantly sipping on sugary drinks also creates a continuous acidic condition.
It is important to note, if a person has a significant load of this bacteria or has many active cavities in their mouth, it can be transmissible not only from tooth to tooth but also from person to person by sharing utensils or kissing. Many times, this is how oral bacteria are introduced to children.
Some early signs and symptoms of dental caries include white or dark stains, visible pitting or holes on the tooth, and teeth sensitivity when consuming cold drinks or eating sweets such as chocolate or cookies. If the cavity is too small and it is only found in the enamel, it might not show any symptoms, but it will be visible and detected by tactile instrumentation.
Advanced cavities that have passed the enamel and are found in the inner layer closer to the nerve, will be painful even without external stimulus.
Dental cavities are restored with resins or ceramic restorations depending on the size. If the tooth damage is too extensive and has reached the nerve, a root canal might be necessary, followed by a dental crown restoration.
The preventive measurements can be taken care to brush and floss 20 minutes after eating and use topical fluoride products such as toothpaste and mouthwashes.
Fluoride helps to mineralize the enamel alongside other minerals found in salivae such as calcium and phosphate.
Drinking water and chewing sugar-free xylitol gum right after eating can help increase the production of saliva.
Saliva minerals will return the mouth to its normal pH and then it will be safe to brush your teeth and prevent enamel erosion.
How to prevent cavities
In the dental office, preventive recommendations include fluoride rinses, varnishes, or gels. Depending on the recurrent incident of dental cavities or quantity of cavities found, prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste could be recommended as well.
Other proactive measurements include applying sealants on deep pits and grooves of the posterior teeth. Sealants act as a protective barrier where food particles could be trapped and progress to a cavity. There is no drilling involved in the placement of sealants and they are long-lasting.
Prevention is key. Schedule an exam including x-rays to detect, restore and prevent dental cavities.
Jennifer Pettit, CRDH.
HQ DONTICS Team.
If you have any questions or need more information, you can contact us!
