CAVITIES ON TEETH

Cavities or holes on teeth are nothing but tooth decay, caused by plaque forming bacteria which clings on surface of tooth and turns sugars from food and beverages into acids eating away the enamel surface of your teeth.

These cavities if left untreated can go further deep into tooth causing pain, infection and in worst cases you can lose your tooth which could have been saved if treated early.

Not only children, but teens and adults can also suffer from tooth decay. A routine dental examination can help in early detection of cavities.

To prevent tooth decay always use fluoridated toothpaste and brush your teeth twice a day, avoid snacking in between meals, limit intake of sugary and acidic food and drinks, use floss once a day to clean in between teeth, ask your dentist about sealants on teeth and remember to have regular dental checkups at least twice a year.

Cavities on teeth once formed are irreversible, in initial stages it can appear as white spot which can be treated with fluoride application by your dentist, at later stage the dentist will remove the decayed portion and restore it with a filling; if it has gone deeper into tooth reaching nerves and blood vessels, then you might need a root canal therapy or possibly an extraction.