Cavities And Tooth Decay: What Does Dental Caries Look Like?

Did you know that almost one in every three British adults have decayed teeth? Tooth decay affects one’s quality of life and physical being, in addition to creating aesthetic concerns. That is why, it is important to maintain optimal oral hygiene and eat a tooth-friendly diet. This helps prevent the development of cavities and tooth decay in the first place. 

If you want to know more about dental cavities and caries, this blog is for you. So, read till the end to know everything you need to know more about dental caries, its prevention, and treatment. 

What Is Meant By Dental Caries?

Our teeth derive their strength from the minerals inside them. However, poor dietary habits and improper oral hygiene can initiate a series of events that lead to mineral loss from the teeth. As a result, the teeth become weak and vulnerable to cavities. According to the UK Department of Health and Social Care, dental caries is one of the most common non-communicable diseases in the country. 

What Are Dental Cavities?

Dental cavities are formed in the teeth when they get demineralised. The process of demineralisation occurs when the oral cavity environment becomes acidic. This happens when regular oral hygiene care leads to plaque and tartar formation on the teeth. 

The disease-causing bacteria residing in the calculus release toxins that make the oral cavity pH acidic. When this happens, the minerals inside the teeth begin to move out. As a result, the teeth become weak and vulnerable structurally, Over time, the enamel which is the outermost layer of the teeth is lost and underlying dentine starts to degrade, resulting in the formation of cavities. 

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of A Cavity?

A tooth cavity forms when the affected tooth has been physically damaged. The first sign of tooth decay or cavity formation is hypersensitivity. It refers to a sharp, transient pain one feels when one eats or drinks anything hot or cold. Another sign of tooth decay is that the dental cavities become stained over time due to food impaction. So, if you observe that one of your teeth has turned grey, brow, or black, it may indicate tooth decay. 

Can Tooth Decay Also Look Like Cavities?

Dental cavities and tooth decay are interrelated. Tooth decay causes demineralisation of the teeth which results in cavity formation. So, dental cavities are a consequence of tooth decay. 

How To Identify A Decay In A Tooth At Home?

The first thing you will observe on a caries-affected tooth is the formation of pits or holes. Over time, these cavities grow larger and get stained over time due to food impaction. So, if you observe any of these signs, in addition to toothache, it may indicate tooth decay

What’s The Difference Between Dental Caries And Pocket

Dental caries is a process in which minerals are removed from the teeth. On the other hand, a periodontal pocket forms between a tooth and an inflamed gum. So, both are different. A gum pocket develops when the toxins released from the disease-causing bacteria irritate the gums. This causes the fibres attaching the gums to detach from their position, creating gaps between the teeth and the gums. 

Do Black Lines On Teeth Mean Cavities?

Dental cavities could be one of the reasons for having Black lines on the teeth. Other reasons for black lines or spots could be tooth staining or tartar deposition. Nevertheless, black lines on the teeth should never be taken lightly and treatment should be sought timely. 

What Are The Common Treatment Options For Tooth Cavity?

When a cavity forms on a tooth, the only option to save it is to replace the damaged tooth structure with a suitable filling. Typically, dentists use composite bonding for this purpose. However, in the case where the damage has extended into the deeper layers of the tooth and they get infected, your dentist will first perform a root canal treatment and then restore the tooth. Furthermore, they may also reinforce the tooth with a crown. This is because teeth tend to become brittle after root canal treatment. 

Can A Cavity Make Your Teeth Fall Out?

It is not possible for a tooth cavity to make your teeth fall out. Teeth fall off when there is underlying gum disease. Advanced gum disease can cause significant damage to the bone supporting our teeth. Initially, the teeth become mobile. However, in advanced stages, they begin to fall off. Teeth may also fall off due to an underlying bone disease. 

Can Cavities Be Removed Without Fillings?

When dentists spot a cavity, they remove the damaged tooth structure. Afterwards, they will replace the lost tooth structure with a suitable filling. This serves two purposes: first, it restores the tooth’s structure, strength, and shape. Secondly, dental fillings also restore facial aesthetics and smiles. So no, it is not possible to simply remove the cavity without placing a filling over the affected area afterwards. 

Don’t let your decayed teeth affect your smile, health, and quality of life. Thanks to modern dentistry, teeth restored with white fillings are barely distinguishable from one’s natural teeth. If you are looking for the best dentist in Didcot for dental fillings, your best option is the Oxford Smile Clinics. We offer top-notch services to our esteemed patients in a comforting and relaxing environment. So, book a free consultation today and we will take care of the rest.