Did you know that cavities are actually a disease?
Though it may seem harmless, cavities are the most common chronic condition worldwide which affects around two billion adults and 540 million children worldwide.
Its insidious nature is best illustrated by the fact that, after the initial stages, it can take six months to five years for the symptoms to appear!
In today’s blog, learn all about how cavities develop, the consequences they lead to, and most importantly – how to use the beginning of the year to adopt new habits that will help us protect your teeth from this enemy.
How do cavities form?
Our mouths harbor numerous bacteria. Some are beneficial, but the harmful ones seize every opportunity to multiply and disrupt our oral health. These bacteria feed on sugars from our diet and form a sticky biofilm called calculus deposit, better known as dental plaque, on the surface of our teeth. Bacteria produce acids from plaque, lowering the pH level in the mouth in the process. Such acidic environment in the mouth, combined with irregular plaque removal through brushing, causes minerals to dissolve from the tooth’s surface.
This begins the process of demineralization, which leads to cavity formation. The mechanism behind cavity development is why dentists consistently remind patients to avoid sweets, snacks, and sugary drinks. Not only are they rich in sugars, but their sticky texture makes it easier for them to stick to teeth and cause plaque buildup.
How do I know if I have cavities?
Cavities start as a consequence of the destruction of the tooth’s surface, forming a so-called white spot, the initial stage of cavities development. If you notice white spots in areas where they were not present before, it’s time to suspect something is happening. As the white spot progresses, the enamel deteriorates further until a cavity, or “a hole,” forms in the tooth. This indicates that the cavity has advanced into deeper structures of the tooth, such as dentin and pulp (the tooth nerve). At this stage, patients may experience symptoms like toothache when exposed to cold or sweet stimuli, indicating pulp inflammation – pulpitis.
In hard-to-see areas, cavities are often not visible until detected by diagnostic methods during an examination. This is why we emphasize the importance of regular six-month check-ups, which can be a last-minute savior for your teeth!
Are cavities contagious?
When we exchange saliva, we also exchange bacteria that cause cavities, making this condition transmissible! The primary culprit behind cavities, Streptococcus mutans, is often transferred between partners, but children are also at high risk of this infection. Up to 80% of two-year-olds have this bacteria in their oral flora, typically transmitted from their mothers or caregivers. For this reason, avoid kissing children on the mouth or sharing utensils with the child. Checking the temperature of food with the same spoon used to feed the child or letting them drink from the same glass is not recommended, as it facilitates the transfer of S. mutans.
How to prevent cavities?
The first answer to this question is the same for most dental problems and has two words. Yes, you guessed it – oral hygiene!
Mechanically removing plaque with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, using dental floss or interdental brushes for cleaning between teeth, or incorporating a water flosser into your daily routine are winning combinations for a clean and healthy mouth. Additionally, correcting orthodontic anomalies, such as crowded teeth and improper positioning, will reduce food retention between teeth and it will improve the ability of oral hygiene tools to reach the surface of the teeth more effectively. A good diet rich in fruits and vegetables, plenty of water, and foods high in protein and minerals (as we discussed in our blog, “5 Good Foods for Our Oral Health”), combined with reduced carbohydrate and sugary drink intake, will positively impact your teeth. Along with fluoride in toothpaste, this will stimulate the remineralization process, which repairs enamel at the surface level. The importance of prevention is evident in developed countries like Norway, where six-month dental checkups are mandatory, and the average six-year-old has fewer than one decayed tooth. In contrast, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a child of the same age has an average of six decayed teeth.
What if I still get cavities?
Early cavities can almost always be resolved by removing the decay and restoring the lost tooth substance with fillings. Early-stage pulpitis is often reversible, meaning the tooth nerve can be saved if addressed promptly. In some cases, with severe and neglected cavities, the nerve “dies,” making its removal and root canal treatment necessary. Unfortunately, cavities can progress to the point where the tooth can no longer be saved through repair, treatment, or prosthetic restoration, leaving extraction of the tooth as the only solution.
To collectively fight cavities in our mission to preserve every tooth and maintain complete oral health, Nova Dental Clinic has prepared special offers for the month of January!
If you notice changes in your teeth or we discover them during your first or regular check-up at our clinic, take advantage of our promotion, where you can get any filling in January for the price of 50 KM, regardless of how much surface we restore!
Schedule your appointment at Nova Dental Clinic today and take advantage of our amazing offer to make your teeth shine with renewed brilliance from the very start of the new year!
