What Does a Cavity Look Like? A Comprehensive Guide to Detecting and Treating Dental Caries

• Brown or white spots on your teeth: These spots are the first signs of a cavity. They are caused by the bacteria that are feeding on the sugars in your food and producing acids that destroy your tooth enamel.
• Sensitivity to hot or cold: If you experience pain or discomfort when you eat or drink something hot or cold, it could be a sign of a cavity.
• Pain when you bite down: If you have pain when you bite down on something hard, it could be a sign of a cavity.
• A hole in your tooth: In the later stages of a cavity, a hole may form in your tooth. This hole can be small or large, and it can be painful.

How Are Cavities Diagnosed?

Your dentist will diagnose a cavity by examining your teeth and taking X-rays. X-rays can show cavities that are not visible to the naked eye.

How Are Cavities Treated?

The treatment for a cavity will depend on the severity of the decay. If the cavity is small, your dentist may simply fill it with a filling. If the cavity is large, your dentist may need to perform a root canal or extract the tooth.

Fillings are a common treatment for cavities. Fillings are made of a material that is similar to your tooth enamel. They are used to fill in the hole in your tooth and prevent further decay.

Root canals are necessary when the decay has reached the pulp of your tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue inside your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. Root canals involve removing the infected pulp and cleaning the inside of your tooth.

Tooth extractions are only necessary if the decay is so severe that the tooth cannot be saved. Tooth extractions are performed by removing the entire tooth from your mouth.

How Can Cavities Be Prevented?

Cavities are preventable by following good oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist regularly.

Here are some tips for preventing cavities:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent decay.
• Floss your teeth once a day. Flossing helps to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth and below your gum line.
• Limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks. Sugary foods and drinks feed the bacteria that cause cavities.
• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can help to identify and treat cavities early on, before they cause serious problems.

Conclusion

Cavities are a common problem, but they are preventable and treatable. By following good oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist regularly, you can help protect your teeth from cavities.

Useful Tables

Table 1: Prevalence of Cavities in the United States

Table 2: Cost of Treating Cavities in the United States

Table 3: Effective Strategies for Preventing Cavities