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If you are trying to look after your oral health then at some point you’ve probably wondered “what does a cavity actually look like?”. Well, we’re here to help!
Cavities occur when bacteria build up on the surface of your teeth, leaving a sticky film called plaque. This plaque then produces acids that eat away at the minerals in your tooth enamel, resulting in small holes or pits on the surface of your tooth. It can be difficult to notice a cavity at first, but if you notice visible holes or pits in your teeth or brown, black, or white staining on the surface of a tooth then you may have a cavity.
In this blog, we’ll look at how cavities form in more detail, some early warning signs, and some ways to prevent them.
What Is a Cavity?
A cavity is a damaged area of a tooth that develops into small openings or holes. These holes lead the nerves of your tooth to become exposed, which is why a cavity can be so painful. Ouch! A cavity is also sometimes called tooth decay and is more common than you think. Cavities can occur at any age and are more common in children, teenagers, and older adults.
What Causes a Cavity?
Tooth decay is the underlying cause of cavities, which typically occur gradually. The process of tooth decay is as follows:
1. Dental plaque, a transparent adhesive film that sticks to the teeth, is formed when sugars and starches are consumed and teeth are not properly cleaned. Plaque quickly attracts bacteria that feed on these substances. When plaque is not removed from teeth, it can solidify into tartar (calculus) both above and below the gum line, which serves as a ‘protective shield’ for bacteria and makes plaque more challenging to remove.
2. The acid in plaque erodes the hard outer enamel of teeth, resulting in small gaps or holes in the enamel, which marks the initial stage of cavities. This process is known as demineralisation and can often be reversed in the very early stages with remineralising products such as GC Tooth Mousse or Neutrafluor 220 Mouthwash. Once the enamel has been worn away, the bacteria and acid can penetrate the next layer of teeth, called dentin, which is less sturdy and more susceptible to acid. Dentin has small tubes that link directly with the tooth’s nerve, causing sensitivity.
3. As tooth decay advances, bacteria and acid gradually move into the dentine and eventually the pulp, which houses nerves and blood vessels, causing swelling and irritation. As the nerve becomes compressed, pain arises because there is no space for the swelling to expand inside a tooth. The discomfort can even extend beyond the tooth root to the bone, resulting in the formation of a dental abscess Needless to say, this hurts – a lot!
Common Signs You Might Have a Cavity
Toothache
If you have a cavity, you may experience toothache or spontaneous tooth pain that seems to come out of nowhere. This pain can be mild or severe and may be felt as a dull ache or sharp pain. In severe cases, a constant throbbing may be felt and the pain may keep you awake at night.
Tooth Sensitivity
Another symptom of a cavity is tooth sensitivity. This means you may feel discomfort or pain when your teeth are exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods or beverages. This sensitivity can occur due to the erosion of the tooth enamel or dentin, exposing the nerves in the teeth.
Visible Holes or Pits in Your Teeth
A visible hole or pit in your tooth is a clear sign that you have a cavity. The cavity is a hole in the tooth caused by the decay of the tooth’s structure. The hole can become larger over time if left untreated.
Brown, Black, or White Staining on Any Surface of a Tooth
Another sign of a cavity is the appearance of brown, black, or white staining on the surface of a tooth. This can be caused by the decay of the tooth’s structure and the accumulation of plaque and bacteria on the surface of the tooth. These stains are small in size to start with and can rapidly increase in size.
Pain When Biting Down with Force
If you have a cavity, you may also experience pain when you bite down or chew. This can be caused by the cavity reaching the root or nerve of the tooth, which can cause inflammation or infection and lead to discomfort when pressure is applied to the tooth.
If you are experiencing any of these cavity symptoms, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and treatment for your cavity. Early treatment can prevent the cavity from getting worse and help you avoid more serious dental problems in the future.
So, What Does a Cavity Actually Look Like?
Well, cavities can affect any tooth and vary greatly in size. We’ve included an image that shows the progression of a normal tooth to a tooth with some decay leading to dental caries, and finally, a significantly decayed tooth that has led to a full cavity involving the nerve of the tooth – this last tooth would have been very painful and required removal or treatment involving the nerve of the tooth
How to Prevent a Cavity
- Use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and brush your teeth at least twice a day. Ideally, you should brush after every meal, and use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between your teeth. If your dentist thinks you’re at high risk for cavities, he or she may suggest using a mouth rinse with fluoride.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. This can help prevent problems or catch them early. Your dentist can help you decide how often to come in. Ask your dentist about antibacterial or preventive treatments if you’re particularly vulnerable to tooth decay due to a medical condition.
- Consider getting dental or fissure sealants. These are plastic coatings that protect the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. They help seal off grooves and crannies where food can get stuck, and can last for several years. Healthdirect recommends sealants as a simple and effective means to reduce tooth decay.
- Drink tap water if you can, since most public water supplies in Australia have added fluoride. This can help reduce tooth decay. If you only drink bottled water that doesn’t contain fluoride, you may be missing out on some of its benefits.
- Consider fluoride treatments or custom trays which can be used with remineralising products such as GC Tooth Mousse, Voco Remin Pro or Curasept Biosmalto Mousse – if your dentist thinks you’re at high risk for cavities.
- Avoid snacking and sipping frequently, since this can create acid in your mouth that can damage your tooth enamel. Try to limit eating and drinking to mealtimes.
- Eat tooth-healthy foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoid foods that can get stuck in your teeth for a long time. Drinking unsweetened coffee or tea, chewing sugar-free gum, and drinking fluoridated tap water can help wash away food particles.
- Try using a combination of treatments, such as chewing xylitol-based gum along with prescription fluoride and an antibacterial rinse, to reduce your risk of cavities.
Can You Reverse a Cavity?
No, unfortunately, it is not possible to reverse a cavity. Once a cavity forms in a tooth, the damaged area of the tooth cannot regenerate or heal on its own.
However, early-stage cavities (demineralisation) that have not yet caused significant damage to the tooth can sometimes be stopped or slowed through proper oral hygiene and diet. This involves brushing and flossing regularly to remove plaque and prevent further decay, as well as reducing the frequency of sugary and acidic foods and drinks that can contribute to tooth decay. The use of remineralisation products consistently and under the instruction of a dental professional may reverse the early signs of demineralisation.
If a cavity has progressed to the point where it has caused significant damage to the tooth, a dental filling or other restorative treatment may be necessary to prevent further damage or infection. It is important to visit a dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings to catch and treat cavities early before they become more serious.
Can You Treat a Cavity at Home?
While we’d never recommend ‘treating’ a cavity at home, there are temporary solutions, one of which is Dentafix Temporary Filling Repair.
This is a temporary filling material that is ready to use and has been developed to provide an ideal temporary solution for filling cavities. The filling material will only set when it comes into contact with water or saliva, taking around 15-20 minutes to set. It is easy to work with and has adequate strength, yet can be easily removed by a dentist without damaging the cavity. It is important to note that this is only a temporary solution, and you should consult your dentist as soon as possible. The composition of the material has been tested by clinicians and provides a short-term solution until you are able to see your dentist
When Should you Visit a Dentist for Your Cavity?
We recommend that you visit a dentist regularly for routine check-ups and cleanings to prevent and catch any dental issues early. During these check-ups, the dentist can examine your teeth for signs of cavities and take necessary measures to prevent any further damage.
However, if you experience any of the symptoms outlined in this article, you should make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible, as they may be signs of a cavity.
If your dentist recommends that you need any oral care products to help treat a cavity, be sure to browse our oral care products today. At The House Of Mouth, we have everything you need when it comes to treating cavities the way your dentist wants!
Oral Health Advice and Assistance
Do you have questions about products recommended to you by your Dental Professional or need help selecting a product suited to your individual needs? One of our Dental Professionals will be more than happy to help – Contact Us today.
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