5 Things You Didn’t Know About Cavities

Most of us think we know everything we need to about cavities. They’re caused by too much sugar, they hurt, and they need fillings. While these basics are true, there’s much more to understand about tooth decay.

Beyond the Basics of Cavities

Cavities are recesses that form in teeth where there is decay. They occur when acids produced by bacteria in your mouth gradually dissolve the hard outer layer of your teeth. This process can result in small holes in your teeth that can grow larger over time if left untreated.

Sugar consumption, exposure to acids, poor oral hygiene, and genetic predisposition can all contribute to tooth decay and cavity formation. But there is more. Understanding the lesser-known facts about cavities can help you better protect your oral health and recognize when professional treatment is needed.

1. Not All Cavities Cause a Toothache

One of the most dangerous misconceptions about cavities is that they always cause noticeable pain or discomfort. In reality, cavities can develop silently for months or even years without causing any symptoms.

Early-stage cavities only affect the outer enamel layer of your teeth, which contains no nerve endings. This means you won’t feel any pain until the decay progresses deeper into the tooth structure and reaches the dentin layer beneath the enamel. By the time pain develops, the cavity has often grown significantly and may require more extensive treatment than a simple filling.

Some cavities can be masked by tooth sensitivity or may never cause traditional toothache pain at all. These painless cavities can still cause serious damage to your tooth structure and may only be discovered during routine dental examinations and X-rays.

2. Untreated Cavities Can Lead to Serious Health Consequences

While a small cavity might seem like a minor problem, leaving tooth decay untreated can result in severe health complications that extend beyond your mouth.

When bacteria from a decayed tooth spread to the surrounding tissues, they can cause a painful infection called an abscess. This condition causes severe pain and swelling, and can lead to fever and serious illness. Without proper treatment, the infection can spread and, in some rare cases, potentially lead to a life-threatening situation.

If that isn’t scary enough, the bacteria from untreated dental infections have been linked to other serious health problems, including heart disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections. Pregnant women with untreated dental infections face increased risks of premature birth and low birth weight babies.

3. You Can Develop Cavities at Any Age

When we think of children, we tend to assume excellent overall health. However, it is estimated that 50% of kids ages 6-9 have at least one cavity. Even if cavities are in baby teeth, it is important to get them treated to avoid future complications.

As we age, protective tooth enamel can thin due to wear and tear as well as exposure to acidic foods and drinks. Another product of age? Gums tend to naturally recede, exposing the tooth roots, which are more vulnerable to decay and can develop cavities more easily than the crown portion of the tooth. So even if you have escaped cavities in your youth, you may not be safe.

Additionally, many medications commonly prescribed to older adults reduce saliva production, creating dry mouth conditions that allow bacteria to flourish. Conditions like arthritis can make thorough brushing and flossing more difficult, leading to increased plaque buildup.

4. Cavities Can Develop Under Existing Fillings and Crowns

Over time, the seal between your natural tooth and dental restorations can weaken due to normal wear, temperature changes, or the natural settling of materials. When this happens, tiny gaps can form that allow bacteria to enter and cause new decay in areas that are difficult to clean and often impossible to see.

Secondary decay is particularly challenging because it develops in hidden areas where you can’t see or feel it developing. Regular dental X-rays are often the only way to detect this type of cavity before it causes significant damage to your tooth structure.

5. Fluoride Can Help Reverse Early Tooth Decay

While most people know fluoride helps prevent cavities, fewer understand that fluoride can actually reverse the early stages of tooth decay through a process called remineralization. When tooth enamel begins to weaken from acid attacks, fluoride can help rebuild and strengthen the damaged areas before a cavity fully forms.

This remineralization process only works during the very early stages of decay when the enamel surface is still intact. Once a cavity has formed a visible hole in the tooth, fluoride alone cannot repair the damage, and professional dental treatment becomes necessary.

Protect Your Smile

Ready to keep your family’s smiles healthy and cavity-free? Contact our office today to schedule your dental exam and cleaning!