What is a Cavity?
Simply speaking, a cavity is a hole in a tooth caused by bacteria dissolving away the protective enamel and/or other tooth structures. Enamel is the outermost, white, hard surface of a tooth and dentin is the yellowish layer just beneath enamel. Both layers serve to protect the inner living tooth tissue called the dental pulp (nerve), where blood vessels and nerves reside. Small cavities may not cause pain, and may be unnoticed by the patient. Larger cavities can collect food, and the dental pulp of the affected tooth can become irritated by bacterial toxins, foods that are cold, hot, sour, or sweet – causing toothaches, pain, or swelling (abscess). Not all cavities need to be restored. If caught early, the use of fluoride containing toothpastes and gels as well as certain newer dental products can stop the progression of decay or even reverse the decay process.
You hear about them at the dentist’s office, and maybe you’ve even had one or two in your lifetime. But do you really know what cavities are all about? Cavity Development: Plaque and Tooth Decay A cavity is the space inside a tooth that remains once tooth decay is removed. Plaque, a colourless, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth, is one of the main causes of tooth decay. The reason we brush and floss every day is to remove plaque, because bacteria in plaque reacts with sugar in the foods we eat to produce acids that can attack and weaken tooth enamel—the hard, protective covering on our teeth. Eroding enamel leaves the teeth unprotected, allowing for cavities to develop more easily. There are three different places where a tooth can experience decay and cavities: • On the biting surfaces of the teeth. This occurs when plaque becomes trapped in the grooves or crevices of the teeth.
A cavity is a hole in the tooth that is caused by decay. Decay occurs when plague, the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with the sugars and/or starches in the food we eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel. The best way to prevent tooth decay is brushing twice a day, flossing daily and having regular dental check ups. Eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks that are high in sugar are also ways to prevent decay.
Dental cavities (caries) are holes in the two outer layers of a tooth called the enamel and the dentin. The enamel is the outermost white hard surface and the dentin is the yellow layer just beneath enamel. Both layers serve to protect the inner living tooth tissue called the pulp, where blood vessels and nerves reside. Dental cavities are common, affecting over 90% of the population. Small cavities may not cause pain, and may be unnoticed by the patient. The larger cavities can collect food, and the inner pulp of the affected tooth can become irritated by bacterial toxins, foods that are cold, hot, sour, or sweet-causing toothache. Toothache from these larger cavities is the number one reason for visits to dentists.
