Cavities refer to areas on the tooth surface that are permanently damaged. They can be identified by discoloration or tiny holes. Cavities are also called caries or tooth decay, and they are caused due to a combination of factors, such as frequent snacking, not cleaning the teeth well, drinking sugary drinks, etc.
Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems that people suffer from. While they are more common in children and older adults, pretty much anyone can get cavities, including middle-aged adults and infants.
If cavities don’t get treated as soon as they appear, they can get larger and start affecting the deeper layers of the teeth. This can lead to an infection, severe toothache, and even tooth loss. The best way to protect the teeth against tooth decay is to visit the dentist regularly.
Symptoms of Tooth Decay
The symptoms of tooth decay can vary based on how far along the cavity is. At its starting state, a cavity may not cause any problems. But as it gets bigger and deeper, these symptoms may start appearing:
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Toothache, pain that occurs without any cause, spontaneous pain
- Visible holes or openings in the surface of the teeth
- Pain when drinking or eating something hot, cold, or sweet
- Staining on the surface of the teeth
- Pain when biting down
Risk Factors
Anyone who has teeth is at risk of getting a cavity. But the following factors can increase the odds of it happening:
Tooth location: Cavities usually occur in the back teeth – premolars and molars. The teeth at the back have a lot of pits and crannies, grooves, and roots that collect food particles easily. Given this, they are hard to keep clean, especially compared to the front teeth.
Frequent sipping or snacking: Those who frequently snack and consume drinks have a lot more bacteria in their mouth. This bacteria produces acids that attack the teeth’s surface.
Certain types of foods: Foods like cookies, chewy toffees, chocolate, dry cereal, and chips are more likely to cause cavities than crunchy foods like cucumbers and carrots. This is because softer foods stick to the surface of teeth easily, and they are harder to wash away.
Inadequate brushing: Those who don’t brush twice a day or brush incorrectly may have more cavities than those who do. But keep in mind that excessive brushing can wear down the enamel, which can also make one prone to cavities.
