Breaking Down Decay: The Science Behind Cavities

What is a Cavity?

A cavity is a hard surface of your tooth that has become damaged. These are areas of tooth decay that become tiny openings or holes, leading to toothaches, infections, or tooth loss. If cavities are not treated, they can get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. These cavities are not always felt or visible, so it is important to have routine dental visits.

Some of the primary causes of cavities are the result of bacteria living in the mouth. These bacteria can enter through actions of normal living, but when they are not cleaned out, they are able to grow and attack the teeth. Additionally, eating a lot of snacks and drinking lots of sugary drinks can lead to increased acids that can also harm one’s teeth. Some of the primary symptoms that may indicate one has a cavity can include toothache, tooth sensitivity, radiating mouth pain, visible holes or pits in teeth, and odd-colored staining. A person with a cavity may experience all or none of these symptoms so it is important to brush often and visit dentists often to promote prevention.

Causes of Cavities:

The following are some of the primary causes of cavities further outlined. This is a process that generally takes time and does not develop overnight. These are some of the ways this can happen:

1)      Dental plaque formation – Dental plaque is a clear sticky film that coats the teeth when lots of sugars and starches are consumed without properly cleaning the teeth. When these sugars/starches are not cleaned off, bacteria can quickly begin feeding on the teeth and form plaque. As plaque continues to form, it may begin to harden and create a shield locking bacteria in the tooth, causing further decay.

2)      Plaque attacks – When acids from bacteria remove minerals from the hard, outer enamel of the tooth, the teeth can begin eroding and forming tiny holes or openings. Once areas of enamel are worn away, the bacteria and acid can reach the next layer of your teeth, called dentin. This layer of teeth is softer than enamel and less resistant to acid, causing your teeth to be more sensitive.

3)      Progressing damage – As tooth decay continues to happen, bacteria and acid move deeper into the tooth to the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. The pulp can become swollen and irritated, and because there is no room to swell, the nerves can become pressed and cut off. This can lead to more pain and long-term damage to the tooth and surrounding areas.

Common risk factors:

Although anyone can get a cavity, the following factors can increase the risk of a cavity forming:

1)      Tooth location – Decay occurs most often in the back teeth, namely the molars and premolars. These teeth tend to be more difficult to keep clean and therefore are more susceptible as areas bacteria can live.

2)      Food and drink – Certain foods and drinks can be harmful for one’s teeth. Acidic drinks and foods can aid in decay and are more difficult to wash away.

3)      Brushing poorly – Brushing one’s teeth poorly can lead to bacteria and germs accumulating in the mouth. This can form plaque and lead to cavity formation and other dental conditions.

4)      Age – In the United States, cavities tend to be the most common in very young children and older adults. Young kids tend to be the worst at taking care of their teeth while elderly adults are at risk due to time wearing down teeth and gums.  

5)      Eating disorders – Both anorexia and bulimia can lead to tooth erosion and cavities. Anorexia is characterized by people not eating enough and lacking the nutrients they need. Some of these are crucial for tooth health, including calcium, so poor nutrition can lead to dental issues. Bulimia involves binge eating and then throwing that food up. This regular throw up crossing teeth can eat away at enamel, leading to lasting issues and decay.

Ways to prevent cavities:

There are many ways in which someone can help reduce the rate of cavities. Some of the basics include eating a healthy diet, reducing sugary drink and other starches/sugar intake. Others include using good dental hygiene practices, such as brushing teeth, using mouthwash, flossing, etc. It is also important to visit dentists regularly to help promote good oral health, along with receiving fluoride cleanings that most can receive at dental visits. Overall, taking care of your teeth involves a variety of different factors and is crucial in promoting long-term health and well-being.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic. (2023, November 30). Cavities/tooth Decay - Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic; Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-20352892

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