Cavities do not simply “fall out” of a tooth. Delaying care due to this common misconception can have significant consequences for oral health. A cavity is a physical breakdown of tooth structure, not a temporary object that can simply detach. Understanding the true nature of cavities is important for maintaining healthy teeth.
What a Cavity Really Is
A cavity, also known as dental caries, is a hole that forms on the surface of a tooth. This damage occurs when bacteria in the mouth convert sugars and starches from food into acids. These acids then erode the hard outer layer of the tooth, called enamel. Over time, these acids cause enamel to lose minerals, forming a visible hole.
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but it is susceptible to these acids. Beneath the enamel lies dentin, a softer layer that is more vulnerable to decay once the enamel is breached. A cavity is not a separate entity but a structural defect in the tooth that will progressively enlarge if left untreated.
Why Cavities Don’t Just Disappear
The idea that cavities can simply “fall out” is a misunderstanding often stemming from other dental occurrences. When a baby tooth, which may have a cavity, sheds, it is the entire tooth that detaches as permanent teeth erupt beneath it. The decay remains part of the lost tooth, not the cavity detaching from a still-present tooth.
Sometimes, a weakened portion of a tooth with extensive decay might fracture and break off. This can create the impression that the cavity has “fallen out.” However, this is merely a piece of the damaged tooth breaking away, and the underlying decay often persists within the remaining tooth structure. Similarly, temporary dental fillings, designed for short-term use, can occasionally come loose or fall out. When this happens, it is the restorative material that has dislodged, leaving the cavity exposed.
The Progression of Untreated Cavities
If a cavity is left untreated, the decay process continues to advance deeper into the tooth. Initially, decay affects the enamel, often without immediate symptoms. As the cavity penetrates the enamel and reaches the softer dentin layer, sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks may begin.
The decay can then progress further, eventually reaching the pulp, the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria reach the pulp, it can cause inflammation and severe pain. Untreated pulp infection can lead to the formation of a dental abscess, a painful pocket of pus at the root tip, which may cause facial swelling and can spread to surrounding tissues or other parts of the body. Ultimately, untreated decay can result in significant tooth destruction and lead to tooth loss.
The Importance of Professional Dental Care
Addressing cavities requires professional dental intervention to stop the decay and restore the tooth’s structure. Dental professionals use various treatments depending on the extent of the decay. For smaller cavities, fillings are commonly used to remove the decayed material and fill the hole, restoring the tooth.
When decay is more extensive, a dental crown may be necessary to cover and protect the weakened tooth. If the decay has reached the pulp, a root canal procedure can remove the infected tissue and save the tooth from extraction. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are important for early detection of cavities, allowing for less invasive and more successful treatments.