Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is the destruction of the tooth's enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth, caused by bacteria that produce acids from sugars in food.

Cavities are caused by the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, particularly Streptococcus mutans, which thrive on sugars and starches left on teeth from food and drinks. The bacteria produce acid that erodes tooth enamel, leading to decay.

Common signs of a cavity include tooth sensitivity, especially to hot, cold, or sweet foods, visible holes or pits in the teeth, pain when biting down, and dark spots or stains on the tooth surface.

Tooth decay progresses through several stages:

• Stage 1: Initial demineralization of enamel.

• Stage 2: Enamel decay forming a cavity.

• Stage 3: Dentin decay (beneath enamel).

• Stage 4: Pulp damage leading to infection.

• Stage 5: Abscess formation, potentially requiring tooth extraction.

Cavities can be prevented by:

• Brushing teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.

• Flossing daily to remove food particles and plaque.

• Reducing sugar intake.

• Regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

• Using dental sealants or fluoride treatments as recommended by a dentist.

In its very early stages, tooth decay can be stopped or even reversed by remineralization, which involves strengthening the enamel with fluoride and maintaining good oral hygiene. However, once a cavity forms, it cannot be reversed and must be treated by a dentist.

Treatment options depend on the severity of the cavity:

• Fluoride treatments for early-stage decay.

• Fillings for cavities that have penetrated the enamel.

• Crowns for more extensive decay.

• Root canals if decay has reached the tooth pulp.

• Extractions if the tooth is too damaged to be saved.

Sugar itself does not directly cause cavities, but it feeds the bacteria in your mouth that produce acid as a byproduct, leading to enamel erosion and cavities.

Cavities cannot spread from one tooth to another, but the bacteria that cause cavities can spread throughout the mouth, increasing the risk of developing cavities on multiple teeth.

Avoid or limit sugary foods and drinks, sticky foods like candies, acidic beverages like soda and citrus juices, and frequent snacking, all of which can contribute to tooth decay.

Yes, cavities can still develop despite good oral hygiene, particularly if you consume a lot of sugary foods or drinks, have dry mouth (reduced saliva), or have deep grooves in your teeth where bacteria can hide.

It's recommended to visit the dentist every six months for a routine check-up and cleaning. We may recommend more frequent visits if you are at higher risk for cavities.

Yes, children are more prone to cavities due to thinner enamel, frequent snacking, and sometimes inadequate brushing. Baby teeth are also more susceptible to decay.

If left untreated, cavities can lead to more serious oral health issues, such as infections, abscesses, and even tooth loss. Infections from cavities can potentially spread to other parts of the body, causing systemic health problems.

Urgent signs include severe tooth pain, swelling of the gums, a visible hole in the tooth, pus around the affected tooth, and signs of infection like fever. These symptoms indicate the cavity may have progressed to an advanced stage, requiring immediate dental care.

Even if you're not experiencing pain, it's important to get a cavity treated as soon as possible. Cavities don't heal on their own and will continue to worsen over time, eventually leading to more extensive damage, such as tooth decay reaching the inner layers of the tooth (dentin and pulp). This can result in pain, infection, and the need for more invasive treatments like root canals or extractions. Treating a cavity early can prevent these complications, save the tooth, and reduce the cost and complexity of dental care.