CAVITIES

Overview and Facts

Cavities, also known as tooth decay, are defects in the structural integrity of the tooth. The most likely cause of these is the presence of oral bacteria, which are not eliminated because of eating small meals in a short interval of time, consumption of drinks with plenty of sugar content, and, most of all, poor oral hygiene. 

Tooth decay is the most common problem involving the oral cavity. This condition is prevalent in any age, especially among toddlers and children, particularly of note that among adults, holes are found among those individuals with low socioeconomic status. The longer the cavities are not given professional attention, the more severe it will become and can lead to halitosis, loss of teeth, and infection. 

Types and Symptoms

TYPES

Types of cavities are so named depending on their location, and these are as follows: 

  • Cavities at the roots- commonly found in adults and the elderly population. It is owed to the receding gums found in this subset of the population. The roots are exposed to the sugar and the bacteria that remain in the mouth after a meal.
  • Cavities at the pit and fissures of the teeth- Cavities occurring in between two teeth. Most commonly found in the anterior surface of the molar tooth.
  • Smooth surface cavities- Least common among the three and grows very slow.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of cavities can vary depending upon the depth of involvement, the part of the tooth involved, and the pain threshold of the individual experiencing it. 

  • Pain on the affected tooth 
  • Heightened perception of hot or cold meals
  • Sharp, shooting pain from the affected tooth to the brain triggered by drinking cold beverages
  • Caving in of the surface of your tooth. It may sometimes appear as a brown or black discoloration at the surface of the tooth
  • Uncomfortable sensation especially felt during mastication or chewing.

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Examination of the affected tooth can aid the dental practitioner as to the type of cavities that a person has. 

Dental X-rays also aid in the visualization of the extent of damage of the cavities that are not visible to the naked eye. This procedure best detects the presence of a dental abscess. 

TREATMENT

Treatment of cavities located at the root begins with the removal of the affected portion of the teeth and replacing it with a dental filler. If the defect has reached the pulp of the teeth, a root canal is necessary. However, if the portion affected by the cavity is relatively large, a crown or jacket may be used to replace the defect.

Cavities located at the pit or fissures are managed by the use of sealant and fluoride treatments. These treatments are applicable only for those teeth that have minimal damage. Large cavities require a root canal and crown installation.

Cavities that are found on the smooth surface of the teeth grow slower than the rest and are the easiest to treat since they respond well to fluoride treatments, gel, toothpaste, and varnish solutions are of great help and so is fluoride enriched water. 

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