WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What are dental caries and what causes them? Dental caries are also called cavities. Cavities are caused by bacteria. When the bacteria in tooth plaque (sticky film) mix with certain types of carbohydrate, this creates acid. The acid breaks down areas of enamel, which covers the outside of a tooth. This creates a small hole in the tooth called a cavity. What increases my risk of dental caries? - Poor tooth care happens if you do not brush or floss your teeth every day or clean your teeth well enough to remove plaque.
- Certain carbohydrates, including fruit drinks, regular soda, desserts, hard candy, and cookies, can cause dental caries.
- Acidic foods and drinks increases your risk for dental caries. This includes lemons, regular and diet sodas, sports drinks, and fruit juice.
- Gastric reflux is a condition in which stomach acid and food in the stomach back up into the esophagus. This causes stomach acid to come in contact with teeth, which may cause dental caries.
- Not enough fluoride to protect teeth against dental caries. Fluoride is found in drinking water, toothpaste, mouthwash, and most foods.
- Too little saliva in your mouth can be caused by certain diseases or radiation therapy of the head and neck. Certain medicines can also cause your levels of saliva to decrease. Saliva helps clear food bits from your teeth and decrease the bacteria in your mouth that cause decay.
What are signs and symptoms of dental caries? You may not have any signs and symptoms if your dental caries have just started to form. When dental caries reach deeper parts of your tooth, you may start to feel pain. Hot or cold foods may also cause pain or make it worse. The pain may also get worse when you bite or chew. How are dental caries diagnosed? Your dentist will look at your teeth to check for signs of dental caries. Your dentist may use a metal tool to clean away plaque. This will allow your dentist to look at your teeth more closely. Some dentists check for cavities by touching parts of your teeth with the end of the probe. Your dentist may also use x-rays to find dental caries. How are dental caries treated? - Fluoride treatments may be given during dental visits or you may use products with fluoride at home. Fluoride can be found in the form of a mouth rinse or gel. You may buy fluoride with or without a dentist's order. Your dentist will tell you what kind of fluoride to buy and how to use it.
- A filling may be placed in your tooth after the decayed portion is removed. The filling may help to protect your tooth from further decay.
How can I help prevent dental caries? - Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Use dental floss to clean between your teeth at least once a day.
- Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after meals and snacks.
- Chew sugarless gum after meals and snacks.
- See your dentist regularly for dental cleanings and oral exams.
When should I contact my dentist? - You have a fever.
- Your tooth pain gets worse.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
When should I seek immediate care? - Your face, jaw, cheek, eye, or neck begin to swell.
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