Cavities are small openings or holes in the enamel surface of your teeth. Cavities, which are also called caries, form as a result of tooth decay that is left untreated. Tooth decay is caused by a number of factors, including oral bacteria, frequent snacking, excessive consumption of sugary drinks and foods, and inadequate oral hygiene. Cavities are an incredibly common health problem worldwide, and anyone who has teeth can get cavities. When cavities are left untreated, they grow and can progress deeper into a tooth’s surface. This may cause toothaches and can eventually lead to infection or loss of the affected tooth. Regular maintenance, including periodic dental visits and good oral hygiene practices, can provide the best prevention against cavities.

Depending on their size and location, cavities can have different symptoms. At the very beginning of a cavity, there may not be any symptoms, but as the decay progresses and the cavity grows, you may experience a toothache or other pain or sensitivity in the affected tooth, especially when eating or drinking something very sweet or extreme in temperature. You may also have surface stains or visible pits or holes in the teeth. Sometimes, these symptoms are so mild that you don’t even know a cavity is forming. Thankfully, dentists can detect cavities during routine dental examinations, which is part of why it’s so important to see your dentist regularly, even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms.

Cavities are caused by tooth decay and take time to develop. Tooth decay begins with dental plaque. Plaque is a clear film that sticks to the surfaces of the teeth and is formed when people eat excessive starches and sugars and don’t properly clean their teeth. When plaque isn’t sufficiently cleaned off the teeth, it can harden and form tartar, which is more difficult to remove than plaque. Plaque contains acids which remove minerals from the tooth’s enamel, which is the first stage of a cavity. The layer below the enamel is called dentin; dentin is softer than enamel and is therefore more susceptible to acid damage. Once the enamel is worn away, these acids begin eroding the dentin. Dentin also contains tiny pathways to the tooth’s nerve, which is why the teeth become sensitive at this stage of decay. After decay has eaten into the tooth’s dentin, it begins to affect the pulp on the inside of the tooth. This pulp can become infected and swollen, expanding inside of the tooth and pressing on the tooth’s nerve. This causes pain that can sometimes even extend into the bones in the jaw.

While anyone who has teeth is susceptible to cavities, certain factors may increase the likelihood of cavities forming. Tooth decay is more prevalent in the back teeth than in other teeth, because the surfaces of the premolars and molars have many grooves in them that can collect food particles and are harder to clean than the smooth surfaces of your other teeth. Certain foods are more likely to cause tooth decay than others; foods that cling to the surfaces of the teeth and contain excessive amounts of sugar or starch are more likely to lead to tooth decay and cavities. Frequent snacking or frequently drinking sugary beverages can also worsen tooth decay, as the teeth do not have time to repair themselves in between acid buildup and sugar and starch introduce more acid-producing bacteria to the mouth. Sometimes, babies can even get cavities. Especially if you bottle feed your baby at night, bacteria can remain on your baby’s teeth for hours while the baby is sleeping, leading to decay. This may also happen with older toddlers who frequently drink sugary beverages from a sippy cup. The best prevention against cavities is proper oral hygiene, which means brushing the teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush, and flossing between teeth and at the gumline daily. If your dentist determines that you are deficient in fluoride, you may also get a recommendation or prescription for fluoride tablets or a fluoride rinse, which can help maintain healthy tooth enamel. Other health concerns or medications may make certain people more susceptible to cavities, so be sure to be open and honest with your dentist during your regular examinations and cleaning.

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