Tooth decay, also called dental caries, is a very common problem that affects people’s oral health no matter their age. People’s dental care provides the best dental treatment in Guntur. Tooth decay happens when acids made by bacteria in the mouth slowly wear away the tooth enamel. These bacteria consume sugars and starches from the food and drinks we have, creating acid that wears away the protective layers of our teeth. If not treated, cavities can go deeper into the tooth leading to pain infection and possibly losing the tooth.
Symptoms of Dental Caries
At first dental cavities (dental caries) usually don’t hurt or cause any problems. As the decay progresses, typical symptoms you might notice are:
Spots on teeth can be white brown or black.
Teeth can feel sensitive when you eat or drink hot cold or sweet things.
Soreness when you chew or bite.
Noticeable holes or cavities in the teeth.
Ongoing bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
FAQs
1. What is a cavity?
A cavity is a spot on your tooth that gets damaged and forms small holes. This usually happens because of tooth decay.
2. What causes cavities?
Cavities mainly happen when plaque builds up on teeth. Eating a lot of sugary snacks and drinks, not taking care of your teeth, and having bacteria that create acids can also lead to cavities.
3. What are the early signs of a cavity?
Sensitivity in teeth when eating hot cold or sweet foods.
Noticeable holes or dents in teeth
Pain or discomfort in your teeth when you bite down.
Spots on teeth that are white brown or black.
4. Can cavities heal on their own?
A cavity, once it develops, cannot heal on its own. In the early stages of tooth decay, before any holes appear fluoride treatment and better dental hygiene can sometimes help to reverse the damage.
5. What treatments are available for cavities?
Fluoride Treatment
Dental Fillings
Crowns
Root Canal
Tooth Extraction
6. Does getting a filling hurt?
Most cavity fillings are done with local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure, only a little pressure.
7. How long does a filling last?
It depends on the material used:
Amalgam (silver) fillings: 10–15 years
Composite (tooth-colored) fillings: 5–10 years
Gold fillings: 15+ years
8. Is it necessary to treat small cavities?
Yes. Even tiny cavities can develop rapidly causing pain infection and more expensive treatments if they aren’t taken care of.
9. Can children get cavities?
Yes. Kids often get cavities because they snack a lot drink sugary beverages and don’t brush their teeth regularly.
10. How can I prevent cavities?
Brush your teeth two times a day using toothpaste that contains fluoride.
Use dental floss every day.
Reduce the amount of sugary snacks and drinks you consume.
Make sure to drink a lot of water.
Make sure to see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
11. What happens if I ignore a cavity?
It can extend further into the tooth leading to pain infection swelling and even the loss of the tooth.
12. Are there side effects after cavity treatment?
Some people feel a little sensitivity for a few days, but it usually goes away. If the pain continues, see your dentist.
13. How to remove tooth decay yourself?
You can’t completely get rid of tooth decay by yourself after a cavity has developed. Tooth decay harms the tooth and can’t be fixed on its own. A dentist is the only one who can take out the damaged part and fix the tooth using a filling crown or another method.
14. How to stop tooth decay from spreading?
You can’t fix serious tooth decay by yourself, but you can slow down or stop early decay from getting worse with proper care until you visit a dentist.
15. Can cavities cause bad breath?
Yes, Bacteria in rotten areas can create smelly substances, which can cause bad breath.
16. Do cavities always cause pain?
No,Some cavities don’t hurt at first, so it’s important to visit the dentist regularly.
17. What is the difference between a cavity and tooth decay?
Tooth decay happens when acids harm the enamel of your teeth. A cavity is the hole that forms if this decay is not treated.
18. Can I get a cavity between my teeth?
yes. Cavities can develop between teeth when food bits and plaque build up if you don’t floss.
19. What foods increase the risk of cavities?
Sweet snacks chewy candies, soft drinks sugary juices and processed carbs can raise the chance of getting cavities.
20. How quickly can a cavity develop?
Cavities can form over a few months or even years. This depends on what you eat, how well you take care of your teeth, and your general health.
21. Is fluoride safe for preventing cavities?
Yes, when used as recommended. Fluoride makes tooth enamel stronger and can help fix early signs of tooth decay.
22. Can teeth whitening remove dental caries (cavity) ?
No, Whitening only changes the color of teeth and does not prevent or treat cavities. You should fix cavities before you get any teeth whitening done.
23. Can dental caries (cavity) come back after treatment?
yes, If you don’t take care of your teeth or eat a lot of sugary foods, new cavities can develop on the same tooth or on nearby teeth.
