What are tooth cavities?

A cavity is a hole which develops when the tooth decays or breaks down. Bacteria are the main causes of tooth cavaties along with the carbohydrate content of the food. Acids are produced when the bacteria feeds on the carbohydrate, which dissolves the enamel, the outermost layer of the tooth. The bacteria forms a layer of film around the teeth called the plaque. The saliva plays an important role in fighting cavaties because it removes the plaque or any food particles left over.

The most common symptoms are feeling too much cold when taking chilled beverages. The cavity in the tooth cusp weakens the tooth and can damage the tooth when trying to bite or chew hard food. cavities can be detected by many ways the most common are by clinical or through X-ray examinations. The dentist uses an hand held device called an explorer to check the presence of any cavaties. Brown or black teeth usually indicates a cavity. To detect cavities beetween teeth or under gum line dental X-ray is the best. Peoples who have less saliva secretion, have done cancer chemotherapy or radiation or are smokers, are more vulnerable to cavities.

Flossing should be done at least once in a day to remove any plaque between the teeth. Brush your teeth with a soft bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste for a sufficient length of time. Fluoride makes our teeth more resistant to decay. Sugary foods increases the chances of forming cavities.

Causes

Bacteria are the main causes of tooth cavities along with the carbohydrate content of the food. Acids are produced when the bacteria feeds on the carbohydrate, which dissolves the enamel, the outermost layer of the tooth. The bacteria forms a layer of film around the teeth called the plaque. Peoples who have less saliva secretion, have done cancer chemotherapy or radiation or are smokers, are more vulnerable to cavities.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms are feeling too much cold when taking chilled beverages. The cavity in the tooth cusp weakens the tooth and can damage the tooth when trying to bite or chew hard food. Brown or black teeth usually indicates a cavity.

Treatments available

Cavities can be detected by many ways the most common are by clinical or through X-ray examinations. The dentist uses an hand held device called an explorer to check the presence of any cavities. To detect cavities between teeth or under gum line dental X-ray is the best.

How to prevent cavity formation

Flossing should be done at least once in a day to remove any plaque between the teeth. Brush your teeth with a soft bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste for a sufficient length of time. Fluoride makes our teeth more resistant to decay. Sugary foods increases the chances of forming cavities.