Who is affected by cavities

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You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. CDC is not responsible for Section compliance accessibility on other federal or private website. Frequent snacking increases the time that acids are in contact with the surface of the tooth.

Dental x-rays may show some cavities before they can be seen just by just looking at the teeth. Dentists fill teeth by removing the decayed tooth material with a drill and replacing it with a material such as composite resin, glass ionomer, or amalgam.

Composite resin more closely match the natural tooth appearance, and are preferred for front teeth. There is a trend to use high strength composite resin in the back teeth as well. Crowns or "caps" are used if tooth decay is extensive and there is limited tooth structure, which may cause weakened teeth. Large fillings and weak teeth increase the risk of the tooth breaking. The decayed or weakened area is removed and repaired.

A crown is fitted over the remainder of the tooth. Crowns are often made of gold, porcelain, or porcelain attached to metal. A root canal is recommended if the nerve in a tooth dies from decay or injury. The center of the tooth, including the nerve and blood vessel tissue pulp , is removed along with decayed portions of the tooth. The roots are filled with a sealing material. The tooth is filled, and a crown is needed in most cases. Treatment often saves the tooth.

Treatment is less painful and less expensive if it is done early. You may need numbing medicine and prescription pain medicines to relieve pain during or after dental work. Nitrous oxide with local anesthetic or other medicines may be an option if you are afraid of dental treatments. Call your dentist if you have any tooth pain, discomfort or see dark spots on your teeth.

Oral hygiene is necessary to prevent cavities. This consists of regular professional cleaning every 6 months , brushing at least twice a day, and flossing at least daily. X-rays may be taken yearly to detect possible cavity development in high-risk areas of the mouth.

It is best to eat chewy, sticky foods such as dried fruit or candy as part of a meal rather than alone as a snack. If possible, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after eating these foods. Limit snacking, since it creates a constant supply of acid in your mouth. Avoid constant sipping of sugary drinks or frequent sucking on candy and mints. Dental sealants can prevent some cavities.

Sealants are thin plastic-like coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars. This coating prevents the buildup of plaque in the deep grooves on these surfaces. The harmful bacteria feeds on the sugar and starch in the food you eat. As the bacteria consumes, it produces acid. Over time, acid can wear away on teeth and begin to create a hole in your enamel, otherwise known as a cavity.

It is important to address cavities as quickly as possible as they can develop in tooth decay and permanently damage your tooth without proper treatment. First of all, the conditions that create a cavity on one tooth certainly can develop into cavities on your other teeth. In situations in which a cavity forms, is left untreated, and your tooth becomes infected, this infection can spread to surrounding teeth. As we mentioned above, cavities can often be avoided.