DENTAL CARIES: SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

Dental cavities are damaged areas of the teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. They are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria, excessive consumption of certain foods, and poor teeth cleaning.

Cavities are among the most common dental problems in the world. They are particularly common in children, adolescents and the elderly. However, anyone can get cavities, including infants.

If tooth decay is left untreated, it grows larger and affects the deeper layers of the teeth. This can lead to severe pain, infection or loss of teeth. Regular dental visits and good dental hygiene habits are your best protection against tooth decay.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IT IS A CARIES?

The signs and symptoms of cavities vary depending on their extent and location:

• Frequent pain
• Tooth sensitivity
• Visible holes or pits in your teeth
• Brown, black, or white spots on any surface of a tooth

WHEN TO SEE A DENTIST?

You may not know that a cavity is forming. That’s why it’s important to have regular dental checkups and cleanings, even when your mouth is feeling good. However, if you have a toothache or mouth pain, see your dentist as soon as possible.

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COMPLICATIONS

Cavities are so common that many people do not take them seriously. However, cavities can cause serious and lasting complications, even for children who do not yet have their permanent teeth. These complications can include:

• Pain
• Tooth abscess
• Swelling or bad odor around a tooth
• Damage or broken teeth
• Chewing problems
• Positioning of tooth offsets after tooth loss     

In the event that cavities become severe, the sufferer may have:

• Daily pain
• Painful or difficult chewing
• Tooth loss, which can affect your appearance, as well as your confidence and self-esteem 

WHAT TREATMENT WILL I NEED?

If the decay is not too severe, the dental team will remove all the decay and repair the tooth with a filling. Sometimes the nerve in the middle of the tooth can be damaged. If this is the case, the dentist will need to perform root canal treatment by removing the nerve and then repairing the tooth with a filling or crown. If the tooth is so badly decayed that it cannot be repaired, the dentist may need to remove the tooth.