Tooth cavities, also known as dental caries or tooth decay, are among the most common dental problems worldwide. At Dr. Conor Gessell’s dental practice in Southern Pines, NC, we regularly help patients prevent, identify, and treat cavities before they cause serious damage to oral health. Understanding what causes cavities and how to prevent them is essential for maintaining a healthy, pain-free smile.
What Are Tooth Cavities?
Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny holes or openings. They form when acids produced by bacteria in your mouth erode tooth enamel – the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth. As the enamel breaks down, the bacteria and acid can reach the softer layer beneath, called dentin. If left untreated, cavities grow larger and can eventually reach the inner pulp of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels, causing pain, infection, and potentially tooth loss.
Contrary to common belief, cavities affect people of all ages – not just children. As we retain our natural teeth longer than previous generations, adults remain susceptible to decay throughout life, especially around existing fillings or on exposed root surfaces.
What Causes Cavities?
Cavities develop through a combination of factors. The primary cause is plaque – a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. When you consume foods and drinks containing sugars or carbohydrates, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. Each acid attack lasts about 20 minutes after eating, and repeated attacks eventually break down the enamel, forming a cavity.
Several factors increase your risk of developing cavities. Poor oral hygiene allows plaque to build up and harden into tartar, which further protects bacteria and makes plaque more difficult to remove. Frequent snacking or sipping sugary drinks provides a constant supply of fuel for acid-producing bacteria. Dry mouth, whether caused by medications, medical conditions, or aging, reduces protective saliva that helps wash away food and neutralize acids.
Certain medical conditions and treatments can increase cavity risk. Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) exposes teeth to stomach acid. Eating disorders involving vomiting bring stomach acid into contact with teeth. Some medications reduce saliva production, and worn dental devices or restorations can create spaces where bacteria collect.
Signs and Symptoms of Cavities
In their earliest stages, cavities often produce no symptoms, which is why regular dental check-ups are so important. As decay progresses, you might experience:
- Tooth sensitivity – particularly when consuming sweet, hot, or cold foods and drinks
- Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking
- Visible holes or pits in your teeth
- Brown, black, or white staining on the surface of a tooth
- Pain when biting down
- Toothache without an obvious cause
Without treatment, what begins as a minor issue can develop into significant pain, infection, and eventually tooth loss. The infection can even spread to surrounding tissues and, in rare cases, lead to more serious health complications.
How Dr. Gessell Treats Cavities
At our Southern Pines practice, Dr. Gessell offers various treatment options depending on the severity of your cavity. For early-stage decay that hasn’t broken through the enamel, fluoride treatments can help remineralize the tooth and potentially reverse the damage.
For established cavities, the standard treatment is a dental filling. Dr. Gessell removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills the area with a durable material. We offer tooth-colored composite fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth while effectively restoring function and preventing further decay.
When decay has damaged a large portion of the tooth, Dr. Gessell may recommend a crown – a custom-fitted covering that replaces the entire visible portion of the tooth while protecting what remains beneath. Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, resin, or porcelain-fused-to-metal, offering both strength and a natural appearance.
If decay reaches the pulp of your tooth, causing infection, root canal therapy becomes necessary. During this procedure, Dr. Gessell removes the infected pulp, cleans the interior of the tooth, and seals it before placing a crown to restore function and appearance.
Preventing Cavities
Prevention remains the best approach to cavity management. Dr. Gessell recommends a comprehensive prevention strategy:
- Brush thoroughly twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, being sure to clean all surfaces of your teeth. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and below the gumline where your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Consider using antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash to reduce bacteria and strengthen enamel. Maintain a balanced diet, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals when saliva production is lower.
- Drinking water throughout the day, particularly after meals when you can’t brush, helps wash away food particles and dilute acids. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings allow Dr. Gessell to catch decay early when it’s easiest to treat.
For patients at higher risk for cavities, Dr. Gessell might recommend professional fluoride treatments or dental sealants – protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth.
Schedule Your Dental Check-up
The key to managing cavities is early detection and prompt treatment. Contact Dr. Conor Gessell’s dental practice in Southern Pines at 910-390-1259 to schedule your comprehensive dental examination. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms of a cavity or simply due for a preventive check-up, Dr. Gessell and our team are ready to help you maintain optimal oral health.