What Does It Mean To Have A Tooth Cavity?

Looking after your oral health is just as important as looking after any other part of the anatomy. We grow our permanent teeth at a very young age, and they need to last us for the rest of our lives. Unfortunately, tooth decay is still a very major problem in Australia, with many Aussies living with untreated cavities.

What does it mean to have a tooth cavity, what are the main causes of cavities and do cavities hurt? Read on the learn more about cavities and tooth decay, as well as cavity treatment options.

What is a Tooth Cavity?

Tooth cavities are one of the most common health problems experienced over the world. Cavities are also known as dental caries, and they are formed when the hard surfaces of the teeth become damaged, leading to the formation of small holes and fissures. If left untreated, the tooth cavity will worsen, resulting in further damage and erosion of the tooth.

One of the major problems with any hole or opening in the tooth is it allows food particles and bacteria to build up on the tooth. Over time, bacteria can penetrate inside the tooth, causing tooth decay and potentially gum disease as well.

If you’ve never had a cavity before, you might be asking yourself, ‘Do cavities hurt’? It depends. Some people can go for years with a cavity and never experience any discomfort, while other cavities can lead to developing an unbearable toothache and the potential of tooth loss.

Causes of Cavities

A combination of food particles and bacteria is the most common cause of cavities and tooth decay. When bacteria are present, it feeds on particles left behind by food and drinks. An acid is secreted by the bacteria that starts to erode the tooth enamel, the hard protective covering of the tooth. With the tooth compromised, there is an increased risk of developing holes and cracks in the tooth, leading to a tooth cavity and decay.

A high consumption of food and drinks containing sugar is also a major cause of cavities, as sugar readily reacts with any bacteria present in the mouth and produces those harmful acids.

Your teeth and gums also need nutrients to remain healthy, and a lack of minerals such as calcium, fluoride and phosphorous will eventually leave your teeth in an unhealthy state and more vulnerable to developing cavities.

Dehydration can also play a role in the development of a tooth cavity. Saliva lubricates the teeth and also dilutes any acid present in the mouth. Drinking lots of water ensures a steady supply of saliva and also helps to remove food particles left behind from your last meal.

A chipped or broken tooth results in an instant cavity. Aside from aesthetic reasons, you should always have a damaged tooth repaired as soon as possible to prevent tooth decay and further degradation of the teeth.

Brushing and flossing regularly are two of the most proactive things you can do to prevent cavities. If you become lazy in the upkeep of your oral health, you increase the risk of developing tooth decay exponentially.

Understanding the causes of cavities will help you to better look after your teeth and avoid needing cavity treatment.

Risks of Cavities

Prevention is always best when it comes to oral health issues, but sometimes cavities still appear. Leaving cavities untreated can present a number of risks, including the following:

Pain and sensitivity

Do cavities hurt? Yes, they can. As a cavity progresses, it can lead to tooth sensitivity, especially to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages. If the decay reaches the deeper layers of the tooth, like the pulp, it may cause persistent pain and extreme discomfort.

Tooth loss

Your teeth need to serve you well for a very long time, so you’ll want to avoid losing teeth as much as possible. Unfortunately, leaving a tooth cavity untreated can eventually result in the loss of that tooth. The loss of the tooth can either be through a necessary extraction or the destabilised tooth becomes loose from the gum and falls out.

Tooth abscess

If an untreated cavity reaches the pulp of the tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels, this may result in a bacterial infection in the pulp and a tooth abscess developing. Symptoms of an abscess include pain, swelling and the formation of pus on the gum.

Spread of infection

Another inherent danger of leaving a cavity untreated is that any infection present can spread deeper into the affected tooth and even compromise the health of the surrounding teeth–even the jawbone can be affected. A common result of this spread of infection is periodontal gum disease.

Difficulty chewing

Pain associated with a tooth cavity may lead to difficulty chewing at meal times. Rather than enjoying a meal, eating becomes an exercise in discomfort.

Seek cavity treatment early to avoid discovering the answer to the question, Do cavities hurt?

Cavity Treatment

If you suspect you have a tooth cavity, the first step in cavity treatment is to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. While you’re in the dentist’s chair, a full examination of your teeth will be performed. If any other cavities besides the one you are concerned about are present, the dentist will find them and discuss treatment options with you.

Restorative fillings are one of the most common solutions for cavities and tooth decay. Before the affected tooth is filled, the area surrounding the tooth will first be numbed with an anaesthetic. When your dentist is certain the area is sufficiently numb to avoid any discomfort, they will then begin working on removing any signs of decay. Once all signs of decay have been eradicated, the tooth is then cleaned in preparation for filling.

The most common material used for filling teeth is composite resin. However, there are other options, and your dentist can discuss these with you. The filling material will closely resemble the natural colour of your teeth. Once the filling has hardened, your dentist will shape and polish the filling and perform a bite test. Further adjustments to the filling will be made if required.

There are other treatments that may be necessary, such as root canal therapy if tooth decay has reached the pulp of the tooth. Also, you may be fitted with a dental crown to help protect a tooth with a particularly large filling. If a tooth is too far gone and can’t be saved with a restorative filling, the tooth will need to be extracted.

Book A Consultation At Admire Dentistry

For the treatment of cavities and all of your oral health requirements, make Admire Dentistry your choice in Arana Hills, Brisbane. To stay on top of your oral health, it’s always wise to regularly visit your dentist for a check-up and clean.

Whether you suspect you have a tooth cavity or just want the peace of mind that comes from having a routine check-up, get in touch with our friendly staff and make an appointment. We’re here to help look after your precious teeth so that you can enjoy a lifetime of smiles.