Without treatment, tooth decay can destroy your tooth. If you do have tooth decay, your dental team may talk to you about fillings, fluoride, or other treatment choices. Enter information about your practice in the fields below, and it will appear at the top of each Patient Education page when printed. You did not finish creating your certificate. Failure to complete ALL the steps will result in a loss of this test score, and you will not receive credit for this course.
Patient Education Patient Materials children's dental health Pregnancy. How do you get Cavities? Stage 1. Stage 2. It can even destroy your entire tooth structure, which can require you getting a tooth removed and putting a dental implant in its place. There are certain factors that increase your risk of developing tooth decay and cavities. These are:. When acid frequently penetrates your tooth because you consume foods or drinks high in sugar and starch often, the acid continues to attack your enamel and can cause it to lose its minerals.
The saliva in your mouth helps keep plaque from building up on your teeth by washing away food particles. When you have uncontrolled diabetes , it takes a toll on your body, including your gums and teeth. You have a higher risk of cavities as your blood sugar level increases because you have more starches and sugars that interact with the plaque on your teeth, develop into acids and wear away at your teeth enamel.
Genetic factors also play a big role in your risk of developing tooth decay. These genetic factors may include:. If you have small teeth that have numerous grooves and deep pits, they are more susceptible to the formation of cavities than larger teeth with shallower and fewer grooves.
Grooves in your teeth enamel make it difficult to brush thoroughly, allowing plaque to build up. Your enamel defends your teeth against cavities, so the thicker your enamel is, the longer a cavity takes to penetrate through your tooth. When you have overlapped and crooked teeth, it gives the plaque more areas to build up.
Crooked teeth are also harder to clean. A poor bite can cause the enamel to wear down quickly on your teeth and leave soft dentin exposed.
This is why braces are a good cavity-prevention measure. Braces and aligners straighten your teeth and place them in correct alignment. Children have a higher risk of getting cavities when their permanent teeth come in early in life since they may not have developed good oral hygiene practices yet.
How fast does a cavity form? But when an acidic oral environment is present, it can cause tooth demineralization and the formation of a cavity. Cavities form more quickly in children than in adults. This sticky biofilm of bacteria continually forms on your teeth and feeds on the sugars in the foods you eat and liquids you drink. The bacteria in plaque releases acid, and the stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth, which damages the tooth's enamel through the loss of calcium and phosphate.
This process is known as demineralization and can cause white spots to form on the tooth's surface. These tiny openings in the tooth's enamel represent the first stage of cavities. If allowed to progress, the acid and bacteria will then begin to impact the next layer of the tooth called dentin. Dentin is made of microscopic tubules, and without the protective covering of the enamel, these tubules allow hot, cold, acidic, and sticky foods to stimulate the nerves inside the tooth, causing tooth sensitivity and pain.
If not stopped, plaque will work through the tooth until it reaches the inner tooth material, known as the pulp. This soft tissue at the center of your tooth contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues.
When the bacteria infect the pulp, a tooth abscess can occur, which causes severe toothaches, extreme temperature sensitivity, pain when biting, fever, and even swelling in the face or cheeks. If you recognize any signs of a cavity , you should make an appointment with your dentist immediately. Despite wild internet claims, you can't get rid of a cavity on your own.
A dental professional can only treat cavities, and your treatment will depend on the level of tooth decay. The good news is that you can avoid painful tooth decay and costly cavity treatments by taking preventative measures. Take care of your teeth by following these steps:. Although cavities are common, they don't have to be common for you. Knowing how cavities are formed and what you can do to prevent them is a significant first step towards maintaining your oral health.
Put these preventative oral care habits in place now and take care of your teeth for years to come. This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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