What is tooth decay (cavities) and how is it caused?
Tooth decay is the disease known as caries or cavities. Unlike other diseases, however, caries is not life threatening and is highly preventable, though it affects most people to some degree during their life.
Tooth decay occurs when your teeth are frequently exposed to foods containing starches and sugars e.g. fizzy drinks, squashes, sweets, ice cream, chocolate, cakes, biscuits and even fruits and juices. Natural bacteria live in the mouth and form plaque. The plaque interacts with deposits left on your teeth from sugary and starchy goods to produce acids. These acids damage tooth enamel over time by dissolving, or dematerializing, the mineral structure of teeth, leading to tooth decay and weakening the teeth.
How are cavities prevented?
The acids formed by plaque can be counteracted by simple saliva in your mouth, which acts as a buffer and remineralizing agent. Dentists often recommend chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate your saliva production. However, although it is the body's natural defense against cavities, saliva alone is not sufficient to combat tooth decay.
The best way is to brush and floss regularly. To rebuild the early damage caused by plaque bacteria, we use fluoride, a natural substance that helps to remineralize the tooth structure. Fluoride is added to toothpaste to fight cavities and clean teeth.
If you are at medium to high risk for cavities, your dentist may recommend special high concentration fluoride gels or mouth rinses. Your dentist may also use professional strength anti-cavity varnish, or sealants, that provide an extra barrier against food and debris.
Who is at risk?
Because we all carry bacteria in our mouths, everyone is at risk. Those with a diet high in carbohydrates and sugary foods together with those who live in communities without fluoridated water are likely candidates for cavities. Children and senior citizens are the two groups at highest risk for cavities.
What can I do to help protect my teeth?
- Cut down on sweets and between-meal snacks.
- Brush and floss daily. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush inside, outside, between the teeth and the biting surface. Be sure the bristles are firm, not bent, and replace your toothbrush regularly to safeguard against re-infecting your mouth with old bacteria that can collect on the brush. Only buy toothpastes and rinses that contain fluoride.
Because cavities can be difficult to detect, a thorough dental examination is very important.
If you get a painful toothache, if your teeth are very sensitive to hot or cold foods, or if you notice signs of decay like white spots, tooth discolourations or cavities, make an appointment right away. The longer you wait to get treatment for infected teeth, the more intensive and lengthy the treatment will be. Left neglected, cavities can lead to root canal infection, permanent deterioration of decayed tooth substance and even loss of the tooth itself.