Cavities can affect anybody at any age. If you have teeth, you are at risk of developing cavities or tooth decay if your oral hygiene practices aren’t up to the mark.
Is the surface of any of your teeth unusually dark and aching? It is most probably is a cavity. How do you deal with this issue? Can home remedies help in treating cavities? Keep reading to know more.
What Is A Cavity?
Cavities are areas on the hard surface of your teeth that have been permanently damaged. Cavities often develop into tiny openings or holes on the teeth and can be caused due to several factors. This condition is also referred to as tooth decay or caries.
Cavities are one of the most common oral health problems. They are quite common across a wide age group, ranging from children and teenagers to older adults.
Read on to look at the common causes of cavities.
What Causes Cavities?
Cavities usually develop in various steps. They are:
- Formation Of Plaque – Plaque is a layer of transparent and sticky film that coats your teeth. This can harden under or above your gumline to form tartar, which is even more difficult to be removed.
- Attack By Plaque – The presence of acid in plaque can cause loss of minerals in the enamel of the affected tooth. This can cause your tooth to erode and develop tiny openings or holes on it, which is the first stage of cavities. If your enamel begins wearing away, the bacteria and acid from the plaque can reach the inner layer of your tooth, called the dentin. This progression results in sensitivity.
- Continuation Of Destruction – Tooth decay can progress to the inner teeth material (pulp) that contains the nerves and blood vessels. Bacteria can irritate the pulp and may cause it to swell. The swelling of the pulp can cause the nerves to become pressed, thus causing pain and permanent damage.
Almost everyone with teeth is at risk of tooth decay or cavities. Other factors that may increase your risk of developing cavities are :
- Location of the tooth – Tooth decay often affects the back teeth, your molars, and premolars.
- Foods and drinks that may stick to your teeth for a long time like milk, ice cream, soda, or other sugary foods/drinks
- Frequent snacking or sipping on sugary drinks
- Feeding infants at bedtime
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Dry mouth
- Worn out fillings or dental devices
- Heartburn
- Eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia
Cavities in children also occur due to these factors, especially after eating foods with high sugar content and going to bed without brushing their teeth.
As your cavities progress, they may exhibit the following symptoms.
Symptoms Of Cavities
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