What are cavities?
Caries is an ailment that affects the tissues of the teeth, which are destroyed by the acids in the bacterial plaque. The affected teeth usually perforate gradually, causing pain if the infection reaches the nerve. The people most commonly affected are children and young people, but it can appear at any age. It is usually classified into several types:
Caries is an ailment that affects the tissues of the teeth.
- Crown cavities: they affect the upper part of the tooth. They are the most frequent, especially in children, and the easiest to identify.
- Interproximal or interdental caries: they form between the teeth and are not easy to detect.
- Root caries: these form at the gum line.
- Recurrent or secondary caries: they appear around the edges of crowns, caps or fillings that have been previously placed to treat a cavity.
What are the symptoms of cavities?
In general, there are no symptoms, but, if so, the most common ones are:
- Toothache or painful sensation, especially when drinking sweet, cold or hot beverages or foods.
- Visible holes in the teeth.
What are the causes of tooth decay?
Sugars and starches combined with poor dental hygiene are the main cause of tooth decay.
Can cavities be prevented?
The most important thing is to maintain good oral hygiene by having your teeth professionally cleaned every six months and brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day as well as using topical fluoride (toothpaste or mouthwash). Taking x-rays annually also helps to detect possible caries development in susceptible areas.
It is recommended to eat sticky and chewy foods as part of the meal and not as a snack and, after eating these foods, brush your teeth if possible and rinse your mouth with water. It is also advisable to avoid eating between meals, drinking sugary drinks or taking candy.
On the other hand, dental sealants can prevent some cavities by preventing plaque build-up in the deep grooves of the mouth.
What is the treatment of cavities?
Treatment can be carried out by three methods:
- Fillings: this consists of removing decayed tooth material and replacing it with a material such as porcelain alloys, silver, gold or composite resin.
- Crowns: also called dental caps, they are placed on the tooth from which the decayed part has been removed.
- Root canal treatment: it is recommended if the nerve of the tooth dies. It consists of removing the center of the tooth along with the decayed parts and filling the roots with a sealant material and filling it with a crown.