Causes of Tooth Decay

Cavities are permanently damaged areas of the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny gaps or holes. Cavities, also known as tooth decay or caries, are caused by a variety of factors, including germs in your mouth, frequent snacking, consuming sugary drinks, and not cleaning your teeth properly.

Cavities and tooth decay are among the most common health issues in the globe. They are common in children, adolescents, and senior citizens. Cavities, on the other hand, can damage anyone with teeth, including infants.

Cavities become more extensive and affect deeper layers of your teeth if they are not addressed. They are likely to result in severe oral discomfort, infection, and tooth loss. Your best defense against cavities and tooth decay is regular dental appointments and proper brushing and flossing routines. This blog covers the causes of dental caries/reasons for tooth decay.

What are the symptoms of a cavity?

The tooth decay on the outer enamel surface does not create pain or symptoms. As decay advances into the dentin and root, you are more likely to experience symptoms. 

Cavity symptoms include:

• Bad taste in the mouth or a bad breath

• Gum bleeding or other indications of gum disease

• Swelling of the face.

• Toothache or discomfort in the mouth

• Sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold foods or liquids.

• Redness in or around the mouth.

What causes tooth decay?

Tooth decay is caused by the contribution of many variables that lead to the formation of cavities. Typically, the following phases take place:

• Bacteria in the mouth eat sweet, starchy foods and drinks (fruit, candy, bread, cereal, sodas, juice, and milk). The bacteria turn these carbs into acids.

• Plaque forms when bacteria, acid, food, and saliva come together. This sticky material clings or attaches to the teeth.

• Acids in plaque are the main reason for the degradation of tooth enamel, and without adequate brushing and flossing, results in cavities or holes.

Symptoms of a cavity

Cavity signs and symptoms can differ based on the degree and location of the decay or a cavity. When a tooth just starts to decay, you may not notice any symptoms at all. As the deterioration progresses, decayed tooth symptoms may begin to appear which may include the following:

• Toothache, a severe spontaneous pain, or a pain that appears for no apparent reason

• Sensitivity of the teeth

• Pain ranges from mild to severe while eating or drinking something sweet, spicy, or cold.

• visible holes or pits in one’s teeth

• Stains on the surface of the tooth that are brown, black, or white in color

• Pain felt while biting or chewing the food.

Tooth decay treatment

The severity of tooth decay determines treatment. Cavity treatments include the following:

• Fluoride treatments help rebuild tooth enamel when decay is detected early. This is known as remineralization.

• Fillings: When a hole appears in a tooth, dentists drill it out and fill it with silver amalgam, composite resin, or gold.

• A root canal treatment is generally used to relieve pain caused by root deterioration. An Endodontist removes the pulp, which includes nerve endings that produce pain, during a root canal.

Tooth extraction: If a root canal is not possible, your dentist may extract (take) the tooth and replace it with a dental crown. We suggest using dentaldirekt zirconia crowns.