How are Cavities Formed?

403 W Wheatland Rd, Duncanville, TX, 75116, United States
Most of us do not care for our teeth regularly. It is essential to brush your teeth daily and floss once a week to prevent any germ and plaque buildup on your teeth. If we do not care about it, it can lead to the formation of cavities. After cavity formation, it is essential to visit the dental clinic to resolve the issue at your earliest convenience. Getting dental checkups every year can help you stay on top of your dental hygiene and ensure that there are no cavities that are not dealt with before they become root canals or something more severe. Here at Minty Smiles, we have life long patients that continue to trust us with their dental care. Delaying your yearly visit can lead to an increase in the severity of the issue.

Stages of Tooth Cavities

There are four stages of the formation of cavities. If you identify the issue at the first stage, it is possible to get rid of it without going to the dentist's office. At later stages, it is impossible to resolve the issue using home remedies and visiting a dentist becomes necessary.

Plaque Formation

cleaning teeth

If you notice white spots on your teeth, it is an indication of plaque formation. Plaque is a layer of bacteria on the enamel. Without brushing your teeth regularly, there are higher chances of plaque formation. It will promote the adhesion of more bacteria.

Enamel Damage

Once there is a thick layer of plaque on the teeth, the bacteria will start secreting acidic substances on the enamel. Enamel has a high level of mineralization. The acid produced by the bacteria will lead to demineralization. After this phase, the enamel will become soft. Enamel damage is the most troublesome issue in dental cavities because the other players will not resist the bacterial attack.

Dentin Damage

After the dental enamel damage, the bacteria will enter the dentin layer of the teeth. It is a layer with many tubes. The bacteria can live here because they can get food from the mouth and protection from the dentin tubes. There is no fear of brushing when the bacteria penetrate the deeper layer of the dentin. Once the bacteria reach here, it is essential to visit the dentist as early as possible to prevent the damage.

Tissue Infection

dental tools

It is the final and most painful stage of dental cavities. The bacteria will go to the deepest layer of the teeth. This layer is called the tissue layer because it consists of dental root gums and nerves. The bacteria will multiply here rapidly because everything for bacterial growth is available in the tissue layer. This infection can cause inflammation in the teeth. It will also produce severe pain in the teeth.

Causes of Tooth Cavities

There are many causes of tooth cavities. Some causes are not in our control like genetics. We can control certain factors that effect the formation of tooth cavities.

Lack of Dental Hygiene

If you are not brushing your teeth regularly, there are more chances of dental cavities. Some people think that brushing is enough for dental hygiene. These people should know that it is essential to remove the plaque from the teeth using dental floss. It is important to floss everyday and keep up with your dental checkups.

Improper Brushing Technique

There are many people who brush their teeth twice a day, but can end up brushing their teeth vigorously. It can damage the enamel as the bristles of the brush can produce minor cracks in the enamel. It is essential to learn about the right way of brushing your teeth. Without correct brushing technique, the chances of dental cavities decreases.

High Sugar Diet

food options

You may get a thick plaque layer on your teeth if you are consuming foods rich in sugar. The bacteria in the plaque take their energy from the sugars in your mouth. Avoid a high sugar diet if you want to avoid dental cavities or brush your teeth after eating foods with high sugar levels. 

Acidic Drinks

Acidic drinks release acidic substances to demineralized the dental enamel. When you consume acidic beverages, it will help the bacteria demineralize dental enamel quickly. People consuming acidic drinks have a higher chance of dental cavities.

Effects of Untreated Cavities

If you do not visit the dentist at the early stage of dental cavities, the bacteria will penetrate the tissue layer and cause severe dental infections. It can cause severe inflammation and you may end up with  a swollen mouth. Untreated cavities can also lead to root canals and other severe dental conditions. Finding a dentist near you is essential and getting your checkups.

What are treatment options?

In minor dental cavity cases, the dentist may choose remineralization or cavity filling procedures. In severe cases, they may use the root canal. Sometimes, the only possible solution to resolve the issue is by removing the tooth. However, here at Minty Smiles, we strive to give the best dental care for patients of all ages and backgrounds. We are located at 403 W Wheatland Rd, Duncanville. You can also contact us at (469) 759-6964 and can help you solve your dental cavity issue efficiently. We are also here for any dental services you may need.

a pair of clear braces in a case on a blue surface .
March 4, 2024
Detail the process of getting Invisalign, including initial consultation, treatment planning, the stages of alignment adjustments, and aftercare. Include patient testimonials and before-and-after images to illustrate the transformation.
a woman is holding her face in pain because of a toothache .
March 4, 2024
In dentistry, prioritizing patient comfort and satisfaction is of utmost importance. If you're searching for a "dentist with sedation near me," look no further than Minty Smiles in Duncanville. We are dedicated to providing a tranquil and worry-free dental visit. This blog post explores the numerous advantages of sedation dentistry, the various options available to address dental anxiety, and outlines what to expect during a standard sedation dentistry appointment.
a female dentist is examining a little girl 's teeth in a dental office .
February 27, 2024
Focused on pediatric dental services, this post will detail the child-friendly environment at Minty Smiles, including painless treatments, how to make dental visits fun, and tips for maintaining oral health in children.
More Posts