A cavity is a damaged area on the surface of a tooth that develops into a tiny hole. It results from the breakdown of tooth structure. Acids produced by bacteria in the mouth erode the tooth’s hard outer layer, known as enamel.
How Cavities Develop and Progress
Cavities form when bacteria in the mouth convert sugars and starches from food and drinks into acids. These acids attack the tooth enamel, leading to a loss of minerals. Initially, this may appear as a white spot on the tooth surface. If mineral loss continues without sufficient remineralization, the enamel weakens and eventually breaks down, creating a visible hole or cavity.
Once the decay penetrates the enamel, it progresses into the softer layer beneath, called dentin. Decay advances more quickly in dentin because it offers less resistance to acid. If left untreated, the decay can reach the innermost part of the tooth, the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels.
Several factors influence how quickly a cavity progresses. A diet high in sugary or starchy foods and drinks provides more fuel for acid-producing bacteria. Inadequate oral hygiene allows plaque to build up on teeth, increasing acid exposure. The location of the cavity also plays a role; decay in pits and fissures on chewing surfaces or between teeth can progress faster due to difficulty cleaning these areas.
Individual factors also influence progression speed. Reduced saliva flow, often a side effect of certain medications or medical conditions, can limit the mouth’s natural ability to neutralize acids and remineralize enamel. Exposure to fluoride, which strengthens enamel, can slow decay. There is no fixed timeline for cavity progression, as it varies significantly from person to person and from one cavity to another.
Consequences of Untreated Cavities
Delaying treatment for a cavity can lead to escalating problems. Initially, a cavity might cause sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. As the decay deepens and affects the dentin, this sensitivity can intensify and become persistent, sharp pain. This pain indicates that the decay is progressing closer to the tooth’s nerve.
If the decay reaches the pulp, it can cause inflammation and infection. This infection can lead to the formation of a dental abscess, a painful pocket of pus. Symptoms of an abscess include severe, throbbing pain, swelling in the face or jaw, fever, and tender lymph nodes. An untreated infection can spread beyond the tooth, potentially affecting surrounding bone and soft tissues.
The decay will continue to destroy more tooth structure, weakening the tooth significantly. This ongoing destruction can cause the tooth to fracture or break. Decay can also spread to adjacent teeth, creating new cavities.
A simple filling becomes insufficient as the cavity progresses. When the pulp becomes infected, a more extensive procedure called root canal therapy becomes necessary to save the tooth. After a root canal, a dental crown is often needed to protect the weakened tooth from further damage. If the decay is too extensive, the tooth may become unrestorable, requiring extraction. Missing teeth can affect chewing ability, speech, and the alignment of remaining teeth.
While rare, severe oral infections from untreated cavities can have broader impacts on overall health. Bacteria from a dental infection can enter the bloodstream, leading to systemic health issues.
When to Seek Dental Care
Regular dental check-ups are important for the early detection of cavities. Dentists can identify and treat decay in its initial stages. Early intervention can prevent the progression of decay and avoid more complex problems.
Certain signs indicate that a cavity is worsening and requires prompt professional attention.
- Persistent toothache or throbbing pain that does not subside.
- Increased or new sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli.
- Visible holes, dark spots, or discoloration on the tooth surface.
- Pain when biting down or chewing.
- Swelling around the tooth or gums.
Delaying cavity treatment leads to more complex, painful, and expensive procedures. What might start as a small, easily treatable cavity can escalate to a situation requiring root canal therapy or even tooth extraction. Professional dental evaluation is important to determine the extent of decay and recommend treatment. Relying on self-assessment or waiting for severe symptoms to develop is not advisable, as this often means the problem has significantly worsened.