A cavity also refers to tooth decay. Cavities are tiny holes or openings in your teeth. They start small and become bigger with time. Most cavities are not painful, so it may be difficult to realize there is an issue. Regular visits to the dentist will help you detect them early.

 

Symptoms of Cavities

They depend on the severity of the cavity. However, this does not mean that you should ignore cavities if they are not causing symptoms. The symptoms include tooth pain or sensitivity, bad breath, or abscesses. It can also cause black or white staining on teeth and a visible hole.

 

Causes of Cavities

Everyone has bacteria in their mouth. When you drink or eat food with sugar, it's turned into acid. Plaque then starts to form, sticking to your teeth. The acid in the plaque then slowly starts to erode your enamel. As your enamel weakens, the risk of decay and cavities increases.

 

Cavities are more frequent in your molars and back teeth. These teeth have grooves that trap food particles. They are also hard to reach, making them harder to brush and floss.

 

Complications From Tooth Cavities

If you do not treat a cavity, it could develop several complications.

 

Tooth Pain

When cavities become severe, they cause pain. This pain will interfere with your activities. It will also interfere with your sleep. Lack of good quality sleep can lead to poor decisions and daily living.

 

Abscess and Infection

An abscess will carry pus. It can result in a bacterial infection. The infection can lead to more serious, life-threatening infections. This is especially so if you have other underlying conditions. It can also result in gum disease. Tooth decay and gum disease can lead to heart and brain infections if progressed far enough. These infections can then threaten your whole body.

 

Difficulty Eating

When you are in pain or have an infection in your mouth, you will find it difficult to eat. You will choose not to eat some foods, causing poor nutrition. It can also cause loss of weight from not eating.

 

Risk of Breaking or Chipping a Tooth

When you do not seal or fill a cavity, it continues to grow. It weakens your tooth. It also makes it easy for the tooth to break or chip. Cavities can also lead to total loss of the tooth. When you lose a tooth, the other teeth shift position to fill in the gap. You can get a dental implant or bridgework to prevent this.

 

To prevent the above complications, ensure that you go for regular checkups. Tell your dentist about uncomfortable symptoms like sensitivity and pain. He will conduct an oral exam to see if you have cavities.

 

However, some cavities are not visible during an oral exam. These will require a dental X-ray to look for decay. Treatment options will depend on the severity of your tooth decay. Get treatment to avoid complications.


 

For more on treating cavities, contact Riverview Dental at our office in Corunna, Michigan. You can call (989) 743-4851 to book an appointment today.