Dental caries (tooth decay) is a major oral health problem in most industrialised countries, affecting 60–90% of schoolchildren and the vast majority of adults.

The early manifestation of the caries process is a small patch of demineralised (softened) enamel at the tooth surface, often hidden from sight in the fissures (grooves) of teeth or in between the teeth. The destruction spreads into the softer, sensitive part of the tooth beneath the enamel (dentine). The weakened enamel then collapses to form a cavity and the tooth is progressively destroyed. Caries can also attack the roots of teeth should they become exposed by gum recession. This is more common in older adults.

Dental caries is caused by the action of acids on the enamel surface. The acid is produced when sugars (mainly sucrose) in foods or drinks react with bacteria present in the dental biofilm (plaque) on the tooth surface. The acid produced leads to a loss of calcium and phosphate from the enamel; this process is called demineralisation.

Saliva acts to dilute and neutralise the acid which causes demineralisation and is an important natural defence against caries. Aside from buffering plaque acids and halting the demineralisation of enamel, saliva provides a reservoir of minerals adjacent to the enamel from which it can remineralise and “heal” once the acids have been neutralised. The enamel demineralises and remineralises many times during the course of a day. It is when this balance is upset and demineralisation exceeds remineralisation that caries progresses. When demineralisation occurs frequently and exceeds remineralisation over many months, there is a breakdown of the enamel surface leading to a cavity. Cavities, even in children who do not yet have their permanent teeth, can have serious and lasting complications such as pain, tooth abscess, tooth loss, broken teeth, chewing problems and serious infection.

The main treatment option for a tooth cavity is to drill out the decay and put in a filling (restoration) made from various materials (e.g., composite resins, amalgam, porcelain).Extensive tooth decay may necessitate a crown, root canal treatment or even extraction of the tooth.

How do I prevent Cavities?

You may have heard of the clichéd phrase – prevention is better than a cure.   That is certainly true in the case of cavities!

There are a variety of ways to help prevent cavities which include:

• Brushing and flossing daily; this will help reduce the amount of dental plaque and bacteria in your mouth.
• Eating sugary or starchy foods less often during the day to help reduce the amount of tooth-damaging acids in your mouth.
• Use of fluoride toothpaste, which strengthens teeth, as well as fluoride treatments provided by the dentist or taking fluoride supplements as recommended by the dentist.
• Using antibacterial mouth rinses to reduce the levels of bacteria that cause cavities.
• Chewing gum that contains xylitol; this can help decrease bacterial growth.

Preventing cavities can not only help keep your teeth healthy and beautiful for a lifetime but also prevent emergency dental care and tooth aches and save you money!

We get this question many times from patients who come in with tooth pain and wonder if they have Cavities.   Tooth pain can be caused by several reasons and tooth caries or cavities is one common cause of tooth ache.

Cavities refer to tooth decay, which occurs when specific types of bacteria produce acid that destroys the tooth’s enamel and its underlying layer, the dentin.

Three possible indications that you have a cavity are toothache, tooth sensitivity to sweet, hot or cold foods or drinks, or pain when chewing

Many different types of bacteria live in our mouths and build up on the teeth in a sticky film called dental plaque. When we eat and drink, these bacteria create acids, which can dissolve the protective layer beneath the retained plaque. The acid removes minerals from the enamel, which if left untreated can cause a cavity. Decay begins in the main portion of the tooth (the enamel) and as the enamel is broken down the decay can go deeper into the dentin and can eventually reach the nerve (pulp) of the tooth.

Your dentist can diagnose cavities by examining the tooth surface and by taking an x-ray to see if the cavity has gone from the enamel into the dentin or pulp of the tooth.

If you’ve ever winced after an unwelcome twinge of tooth sensitivity, you’re not the only one.

Dentin hypersensitivity, or tooth sensitivity, is a common dental problem. It’s a condition that can develop over time, as a result of common problems such as receding gums and enamel wear. Most sufferers are between 20 and 50 years old. Tooth sensitivity can start to happen when the softer, inner part of the tooth called ‘dentin’ becomes exposed. Dentin lies under the enamel and the gums.

Thousands of microscopic channels run through the dentin towards the center of the tooth (see figure below). Once the dentin is exposed, external triggers (such as a cold drink) can stimulate the nerves inside the tooth, resulting in the characteristic short, sharp pain of tooth sensitivity.

Only a dentist can confirm you have dentin hypersensitivity. If you are experiencing any dental problems, please call our dental office in Jersey City for advice.   We can help to minimize further exposure of the dentin, care for your sensitive teeth and relieve the painful symptoms by making some simple changes to your daily oral care routine and dietary habits.

If you live in Jersey City, Hoboken, Union City, Bayonne, or surrounding areas in New Jersey and need help with you dental problems or for any procedures such as dental implants, dentures, crowns or bridges, please call our office Charming Smile Dental at 201-425-8600.