Signs of Cavities, Causes, and How to Overcome Them

Cavities are a condition when the enamel (outer layer) of the teeth is eroded, thus creating holes in the teeth. Even though this condition is a common complaint, it is important to recognize the signs of cavities so that the condition does not get worse and cause pain that interferes with daily activities.

Check out the following article to find out more about the signs of cavities, their causes and how to deal with them.

Signs of Cavities

The following is an explanation of the signs of cavities and some of the symptoms that accompany them.

1. There is a hole in the tooth

The first sign of cavities is the appearance of holes in certain teeth. This hole is formed when bacteria have succeeded in destroying all the enamel of the tooth. This destruction process can be accelerated by a lack of maintaining dental hygiene.

If you notice a hole in your tooth, you should immediately consult a doctor. Usually, the doctor will close the hole so that the symptoms of cavities do not get wider and cause other complications.

2. Sensitive and Painful

The appearance of holes in the teeth is a characteristic of cavities that is rarely noticed. Some people usually just think of the pain as an ordinary toothache without knowing that there is a hole in the tooth, so this condition often does not immediately receive proper treatment.

Pain or toothache due to cavities often appears when sufferers eat hot or cold foods, and gets worse when they eat sweet foods. The appearance of pain occurs due to the reduction or loss of enamel on the teeth so that food comes directly into contact with the nerves. Pain when chewing food can cause sufferers to lose their appetite, which if prolonged can trigger body weakness and nutritional deficiencies.

3. Blood comes out of the gums in cavities

In some cases, patients can complain of bleeding from the gums in cavities. This blood is caused by infection or inflammation from the teeth that has spread to the gums, making the gums bleed easily.

4. Stains appear on teeth

The next sign of cavities is the appearance of stains on the teeth. Stain is a stain on teeth that is white, brown, or black. These stains can grow wider along the surface area of the tooth if not treated immediately.

If this happens, the sufferer is advised to immediately visit a dentist. Because if left unchecked, this condition can cause pain in the teeth. Where, these symptoms indicate that the teeth are in bad condition

5. Bad Breath

Bad breath can also be a sign of cavities that are rarely noticed. The reason is that sufferers tend not to notice bad breath. Bad breath occurs due to a buildup of bacteria that breeds in cavities that are not cleaned.

If not treated immediately, these cavities can cause prolonged bad breath. This will certainly disrupt the sufferer’s comfort and daily activities.

6. Sleep Disorders

The next sign of cavities is the appearance of pain without knowing the time, including when the sufferer sleeps. This can cause sufferers to sleep poorly and the quality of their sleep decreases.

Causes of Cavities

Cavities are caused by plaque buildup that sticks to the teeth. This plaque comes from food waste that contains starch and sugar. If it is not cleaned regularly, the plaque will be converted into acid by bacteria in the mouth.

As a result, the acid will slowly erode the outermost layer of the teeth (enamel). Over time, holes will form in the teeth. If left untreated, acid and bacteria will further eat away at the tooth pulp.

Several factors that can increase the risk of cavities are as follows:

• Age factor. As we age, tooth enamel will naturally thin and saliva production decreases.
• Too often consuming sweet foods and drinks.
• Rarely brush your teeth, especially after eating.
• Do not use toothpaste with fluoride content.
• Having an eating disorder, such as bulimia or anorexia.
• Suffering from dry mouth and gastric acid reflux disease (GERD).
• Regularly consume herbal products or supplements that contain sugar or artificial sweeteners.

How to Treat Toothache Due to Cavities

Several ways you can treat toothache caused by cavities are as follows:

• Treatment using fluoride gel, varnish, or toothpaste on the cavity area.
• Cavity filling.
• Tooth crown replacement, namely placing a false tooth sheath over the damaged tooth.
• Root canal treatment, if tooth damage has spread to the pulp.

Meanwhile, one way to prevent cavities is to maintain overall dental hygiene, one of which is by brushing your teeth regularly and using appropriate mouthwash.

As a further preventive measure, you can visit the nearest hospital in your city to have regular dental check-ups, at least once every 6 months with a dental specialist.