Cavities and Tooth Decay – Diagnosis and Treatment

Cavities—also called dental caries—affect people of all ages. They form when bacteria, acids, and not-so-great oral care wear down the hard surfaces of teeth.

Tooth decay can cause pain and discomfort, and if you ignore it, things can get worse fast. If you know what causes cavities and how they affect you, you’re more likely to make better choices for your dental health.

Diagnosis

Dentists look closely at your teeth and gums to check for decay. They’ll usually ask if you’ve noticed any pain, sensitivity, or toothaches.

Dentists use special tools to poke around for soft spots in your enamel. These can hint at demineralization or deeper dentin decay.

Dental x-rays help spot hidden trouble, like plaque, tartar, or infections that could cause an abscess or pulpitis. If you feel sensitive to hot or cold, or you see visible damage, those are warning signs.

Dentists can figure out if your cavities are on the smooth surface, in the pits and fissures, or down near the root. If you get regular dental checkups, you’re more likely to catch these issues early.

Treatment

Dentists choose from several ways to treat tooth decay, depending on how bad the cavity is and the tooth’s overall health. If the cavity’s still small, fluoride treatments might do the trick.

Dentists apply fluoride as a varnish, gel, foam, or a liquid. These treatments pack more fluoride than your usual toothpaste or mouthwash, so they can actually help repair weak enamel and sometimes even reverse tiny cavities.

Type	Purpose
Toothpaste	Cleans teeth; protects enamel
Fluoride rinses	Strengthens tooth surface
Dental floss	Cleans between teeth
Mouthguards	Protects teeth during sports
Toothbrushes	Removes plaque and food debris

If decay has already broken through the enamel, you’ll probably need a dental filling. The dentist cleans out the decayed part and fills it with composite resin, porcelain, or amalgam (that’s a mix of metals).

The material depends on where the tooth is and what you prefer.

When a tooth is really damaged or weak, a dental crown often makes sense. Crowns cover the whole visible part of your tooth, bringing back its strength and shape.

Dentists use gold, porcelain, resin, or combos like porcelain fused to metal. Crowns are great for teeth that might crack.

If decay goes deep and hits the pulp, you’re looking at a root canal. The dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans out the inside, and seals it up. This saves teeth that would otherwise get pulled.

Sometimes, a tooth is just too far gone. In that case, you’ll need an extraction. Pulling a tooth can leave gaps, which might cause other teeth to shift.

Dentists might suggest bridges or dental implants to keep your bite in line.

Dental sealants can help prevent cavities, especially for kids. Dentists paint these coatings onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth to block out food and bacteria.

Some people at high risk for cavities may need fluoride supplements, especially if they don’t get enough fluoride from water or toothpaste.

Here’s a quick summary of the usual treatments:

Treatment Type	When Used	Main Materials/Methods
Fluoride Therapy	Early/minor decay	Gel, varnish, foam, or liquid
Filling	Cavities past enamel	Composite resin, amalgam
Dental Crown	Large decay or weak tooth	Porcelain, metal, resin
Root Canal	Infection of tooth pulp	Internal cleaning and filling
Tooth Extraction	Tooth cannot be saved	Removal, may need replacement
Dental Sealants	Prevention (mainly in children)	Special coating
Fluoride Supplements	Extra cavity prevention, low fluoride	Tablets, drops, rinses

If you use fluoride toothpaste daily and get regular checkups, you’re more likely to catch dental problems early—and treatment is usually simpler.

Getting Ready for Your Dental Visit

A little planning can make your dental appointment way less stressful. Try these steps:

1. Update Personal Information:
   • List all your medicines, vitamins, and supplements, with doses.
   • Note any allergies or reactions to anesthesia.
   • Bring mouthguards or other oral appliances if you use them.

2. Gather Questions:
   Jot down what you want to ask your dentist. Here are a few ideas:

Topic	Example Question
Problem Type	Is this just a cavity, or do I need something more, like a crown?
Number of Visits	How many appointments will it take to fix this tooth?
Pain Relief	What can I do for the pain?
Eating/Drinking After	How long should I wait before eating or drinking after treatment?
Prevention	How can I stop cavities from coming back?
Water Quality	Does our tap water have fluoride?

1. Prepare Your Oral Routine:
   • Brush and floss well before your visit. A clean mouth makes it easier for the dentist to spot trouble.
   • Skip sticky or hard foods that could make pain worse or damage a sore tooth.
   • Parents should help kids brush and floss before appointments.
2. Record Symptoms:
   • Write down when your pain or sensitivity started, and what makes it better or worse.
   • Note if sweets or hot/cold foods bother your teeth.

Dentist’s Questions and What Happens in the Office

Knowing what your dentist might ask helps you get ready. Dentists often want to know:

• How often do you brush and floss?
• Are you using fluoride toothpaste?
• Do you eat a lot of sweets or drink sugary drinks?
• Do you have dry mouth?
• Have you started any new medicines?
• Has your dental routine changed?

Children and Risk Factors:
Dentists ask about kids’ brushing, flossing, and eating habits since sugar puts them at higher risk for cavities. Good oral hygiene lowers that risk.

Common Steps in the Appointment:

• The dentist reviews your brushing and flossing habits.
• They check for cavities, decay, or gum issues.
• X-rays may be taken to spot hidden problems.
• You’ll talk about risk factors like diet and hygiene.
• The dentist gives advice on brushing, flossing, and avoiding acidic or sugary foods.
• If needed, you’ll get a professional cleaning.

A check-up lowers your chances of dental trouble down the road. Expect to talk about ways to improve your routine, like flossing every day and scheduling future cleanings.

Steps for Pain and Care While Waiting

If your teeth hurt, you can do a few things until your appointment:

• Pain Relief: Take over-the-counter pain meds if your doctor says it’s okay. Numbing gels might help with sore spots.
• Gentle Cleaning: Keep brushing and flossing, even if it’s a little sore. Use a soft brush and warm water, and try toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
• Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks: Skip hot, cold, or super sweet stuff. Acidic foods and drinks—like soda or juice—can make pain and decay worse.
• Stick to a Cleaning Routine: Floss gently to clear out plaque and food, even around sore teeth. Don’t let pain stop you from cleaning, or things could get worse.
• Protect Children’s Teeth: Help kids brush and floss. Avoid giving them sticky snacks or sugary drinks.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink water to help with dry mouth and rinse away sugars and acids.

Here’s a handy table for what to do before your dental visit:

Step	What to Do
Pain Control	Use safe painkillers; numbing gels if needed
Brushing	Use a soft brush, warm water, and be gentle on sore spots
Flossing	Floss daily to clean between teeth
Avoiding Problem Foods	Skip hot, cold, sweet, and acidic foods/drinks
Stay on Routine	Keep brushing and flossing, even if it’s uncomfortable
Helping Children	Brush and floss for them; limit sugary snacks

Following these steps helps you keep your teeth as healthy as possible while you wait for your appointment. Regular check-ups and professional cleanings are still the best way to keep your mouth healthy.