Dental Cavities

Dental cavities or caries is one of the most common of all disorders. See how cavities start and their effect on the health of your teeth in this educational animation.

Dental Cavities

Dental cavities or caries is one of the most common of all disorders.

It is an infection caused by a combination of carbohydrate-containing foods and bacteria that live in our mouths.

The bacteria are contained in a film called "plaque". Plaque begins to accumulate on teeth within 20 minutes after eating. If the plaque is not removed thoroughly and routinely tooth decay will occur.

Although there are many different types of bacteria in our mouths, only a few are associated with cavities

Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus casei and acidophilus, and Actinomyces naeslundii are some of them

When these bacteria find carbohydrates, they consume them to produce acids. The acids demineralize the hard part of the tooth (enamel and dentin) and eventually reach the pulp chamber.

Cavities are most prominent on the back molars, just above the gum line on all teeth, and at the edges of fillings.

The common symptoms of caries are:

1. Increased sensation to cold and/or sweet foods or beverages
2. Pain only when deeper layers are affected.
3. Weakening of the tooth

Treatment of a cavity generally consists of two steps:

1. Removing the decayed portion of the tooth under local anesthesia a high-speed dental drill is used to remove the decay and prepare the tooth for the filling.
2. Rebuilding the missing tooth structure with a suitable filling material

Last Updated: Fri, Jan 07, 2005 

Email this page  Bookmark this page