Summary
Dental Cavities, also known as tooth decay is the most common health problem with children, teenagers, and adults. Cavities are holes or tiny openings in the hard surface of the teeth that are caused by bacteria build up in the mouth, not brushing your teeth, and eating or drinking sugary food/drinks. Tooth decays can cause major tooth ache and tooth loss. To avoid getting cavities it is advise to visit a dentist every two to six months for cleaning and to have a good hygiene routine when brushing your teeth.
Description
The development of tooth decays starts from consuming sugary food or drinks and not properly cleaning your teeth well. Bacteria that is in the mouth begins to feed off of the sugar and coverts it into an acid. When the acid is mixed with saliva and other food particles that are stuck between the teeth, it creates a sticky substance. This sticky substance is called plaque which begins to coats the teeth and begin to harden above or under your gum line. This creates a shield for the bacteria.
As shown in this image, it is showing the stages of how tooth decay develops as it goes untreated and becomes more painful. First step, plaque is harden and now is attacking the outer enamel; which is the outer coating on your teeth that protects against plaque. Tiny holes and openings will begin to be appear and the acid is destroying the enamel. Once the bacteria and acid begin to break into the enamel, it goes into the dentin; which in this layer it is softer and less resistant to the acid. It begins to start feeling painful, as it communicates with the nerves of the tooth. As the acid and bacteria continue to go deeper into the layers, the final layer is called the pulp; this is when it gets very dangerous. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels and once the pulp begins to get irritated from the acid this is the most painful stage. Causing tooth ache and can even damage your nerves ending up in root decay, which is harder to treat. It is very important to get your teeth treated before the tooth decay becomes worse and more painful. Risks factors can lead to gum diseases, dry mouth, and tooth loss.
Symptoms of knowing if one has a cavity is pain when chewing on food, toothache, tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums and black or white staining of a tooth or visible holes. Cavities can occur anywhere on your teeth, but most commonly the molars are the ones that tend to get cavities. Due to the molars being rigid, it is easy to get food stuck and harder to clean out. When having these symptoms it is advise to go see a dentist before it gets worse. Treatments for treating tooth decays depends on how bad the cavity is, but these treatments include crowns, fillings, fluoride treatments, root canals and tooth extractions.
As shown in this image, it shows a before and after of different treatments on two different teeth’s. The first row of teeth after being treated was treated with composite filling, which is a white filling that is filled in the holes of the cavity; also the smaller tooth to the right is filled with Inlays and Onlays, which is a porcelain material that is more durable and protective to the tooth. The second row was also filled with white filling. Before, it was also filled with Amalgam; a metal filling, but due to the persons not properly cleaning their teeth, the cavity begin to reform; causing the teeth to need another filling.
To prevent getting tooth decays it is simple, just regularly brushing your teeth two or three times a day and also flossing. Finding a fluoride toothpaste such as Sensodyne Pronamel Toothpaste is a great fluoride toothpaste. Making sure to schedule appointments to get check ups and teeth cleanings. Also cut back on eating too much sugary, starchy food and drinks. Overall, dental cavity is very common, but brushing daily and seeing the dentist regularly remains the best way to prevent cavities or to deal with them effectively.
News Articles
Cerium oxide nanoparticles could put a stop to tooth cavities: https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/cerium-oxide-nanoparticles-could-put-a-stop-to-tooth-cavities/4012314.article
This article explains how research groups at the University of Illinois at Chicago, led my an inorganic chemist and dentist Russell Pesavento is using cerium oxide nanoparticles that could help protect the teeth from the forming of plague. The UIC research group is still testing to make sure the nanoparticles will not be toxic when being put orally. They are hoping to be able to combine the cerium oxide nanoparticles with a enamel strengthening fluoride that dentist can paint on a patients teeth.
Pitt dental student creates product to fight tooth decay: https://pittnews.com/article/164778/news/pitt-dental-student-creates-product-to-fight-tooth-decay/
This article discusses about a dental student at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine, Sohail Rana created a company called ZeroDk that are trying to create a toothbrush holder that can connect with a smartphone app. This creation is based on helping you track how long you are brushing and flossing your teeth. This creation helps to monitor your oral hygiene while always helping to make sure you are brushing and flossing your teeth daily to prevent tooth decays.
Is tooth decay troubling you? Get ride of toothache, cavities with these home remedies: https://www.indiatvnews.com/health/home-remedies-for-tooth-cavity-decay-get-rid-of-toothache-clove-oil-salt-health-news-696809
This article discusses about home remedies that you can do to stop aching, that can also help soothe the pain. These home remedies include anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Some of these home remedies are, gargling aloe vera juice 4-5 times daily and then rinsing your mouth with water after. You can also do oil pulling with coconut oil and swishing it in your mouth to help remove toxins and other bacteria in your mouth. Applying clove or neem oil to the gums to help soothe the pain from the toothache.
References
“Cavities/tooth decay- Symptoms and causes”; mayoclinic.org; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-20352892
“Tooth Cavities: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments”; healthline.com; https://www.healthline.com/find-care/articles/dentists/tooth-cavities
“Cavities: Tooth Decay, Toothache, Causes, Prevention & Treatment”; my.clevelandclinic.org; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10946-cavities