When a cavity is detected, immediate dental treatment isn’t always feasible. However, addressing dental issues promptly is recommended. Delaying treatment can allow a small problem to escalate, leading to more significant oral health concerns.
Understanding Cavity Development
A cavity forms when mouth bacteria produce acids that erode the tooth’s outer surface. This process begins with plaque, a sticky film harboring these bacteria. When sugars from food and drinks interact with plaque, acids dissolve tooth enamel.
Teeth have layers: the hard outer enamel, softer dentin beneath it, and the innermost pulp containing nerves and blood vessels. Acid attack initially demineralizes enamel, which can sometimes be reversed with good oral hygiene and fluoride. However, once a hole forms, professional intervention is needed. If untreated, decay progresses through the enamel into the dentin, and eventually reaches the pulp.
Potential Consequences of Delaying Treatment
Delaying cavity treatment can lead to negative outcomes. Pain and sensitivity, especially to hot or cold, increase as decay deepens. The cavity expands from enamel into the dentin, a softer layer where decay spreads faster. This progression increases the risk of decay reaching the tooth’s innermost pulp, potentially within three to six months.
When decay reaches the pulp, it can cause inflammation or infection, a condition known as pulpitis. This may lead to severe pain, swelling, and a dental abscess—a pocket of pus resulting from bacterial infection. An abscess can cause intense pain, swelling around the tooth, and fever. Such infections often require extensive treatments like root canal therapy to remove infected pulp, or even tooth extraction if the tooth is too damaged to be saved.
In severe cases, infection from a dental abscess can spread beyond the tooth to other parts of the body, posing broader health risks. Additionally, extensive decay weakens tooth structure, increasing the likelihood of fracturing.
Factors Affecting Cavity Progression
Cavities progress at different rates, influenced by several factors. The cavity’s location plays a role; those in deep grooves or between teeth often progress faster due to cleaning difficulty. The initial size and depth also matter, as smaller lesions may advance slower than larger, deeper ones.
Oral hygiene habits impact progression; inconsistent brushing and flossing allow plaque and acid to accumulate, accelerating decay. Frequent sugary or acidic foods and drinks fuel acid-producing bacteria, promoting faster growth. Saliva flow provides natural protection; reduced flow or saliva lacking beneficial minerals increases susceptibility. Genetic factors, medical conditions, and medications can also affect vulnerability and decay speed.
What to Do If You Can’t Get Immediate Treatment
If immediate cavity treatment isn’t possible, contact your dentist without delay to discuss your symptoms and schedule the earliest available appointment. This allows the dental professional to assess the situation and provide specific guidance. While waiting, maintain excellent oral hygiene, including brushing thoroughly twice daily and flossing daily to remove plaque and food debris.
Modify your diet by avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks to help slow down the decay process by limiting the fuel for cavity-causing bacteria. Use fluoride toothpaste and consider a fluoride mouthwash to strengthen enamel and offer some protection. For any discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers can provide temporary relief. These measures are not substitutes for professional dental care but can help manage the situation until a dentist can provide definitive treatment.