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Dental Cavities: Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment

Mar 19th, 2025

Archive for the ‘ Dental Care ’ Category

Dental Cavities: Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment

Wednesday, March 19th, 2025

Dental cavities are one of the most common oral health problems affecting individuals across all age groups. Statistics suggest that dental cavities are a significant public health concern in India and more than 54% of the population suffers from them. Despite advances in dental care, cavities continue to be a major concern in urban as well as rural populations. Let us understand from dental experts the comprehensive guide on symptoms, prevention, and treatment of dental cavities to help you maintain long-term oral health.

Table of Contents

What Are Dental Cavities?

Dental cavities are the result of bacteria in the mouth dissolving tooth enamel, causing decay. The main offenders are plaque-forming bacteria that feed on sugars and starches in food. When these bacteria mix with residual food particles, they release acid, which slowly erodes the surface of the tooth, forming holes or cavities. Without intervention, cavities may cause discomfort, infections, and even tooth loss. Be regular with your dental health checkups for early care for cavities.

Symptoms of Dental Cavities

Cavities often develop silently, making early detection very crucial for preserving your teeth and your oral health. Some of the common signs include:

  • Tooth Sensitivity
    Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks.
  • Toothache
    Continuous or intermittent pain, especially when chewing or biting.
  • Visible Holes or Pits
    Small holes or dark spots on the tooth surface.
  • Bad Breath
    Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth due to bacterial buildup.
  • Discoloration
    White, brown, or black staining on the teeth.
  • Swelling or Abscess
    In severe cases, swelling, pus formation, or a foul taste in the mouth may indicate infection.

If you notice any of these signs, consult dentists near you for early intervention and treatment.

Preventing Dental Cavities

Prevention is always better than cure, and making a few lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your chances of cavities. Here are some effective steps:

  • Brush Properly and Regularly
    Brush using fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day. Focus on the gum line and molars, where food particles tend to get stuck.
  • Floss Daily
    Flossing cleans between teeth, areas that brushing might not reach, and removes plaque and food debris.
  • Reduce Sugary and Acidic Foods
    Reduce sweets, sodas, fruit juices, and processed carbs that are sources of bacteria growth and acid production.
  • Stay Hydrated:
    Drinking water often washes food particles away and keeps saliva production going, which naturally neutralizes acids.
  • Chew Sugar-Free Gum
    Stimulates saliva production and slows plaque buildup.
  • Use Fluoride Products
    Fluoride builds up enamel and prevents cavities. Consider professional fluoride treatments if you are at higher risk.
  • Regular Dental Checkups
    Go to see your dentist every six months for professional cleanings and the early identification of cavities.

By adopting these habits, you can safeguard your teeth and lower your risk of dental decay.

Treatment Options for Dental Cavities

If cavities occur in spite of preventive measures, early dental intervention is required. The treatment depends on the extent of decay:

  • Fluoride Treatments
    In the initial phases of a cavity, professional fluoride treatments can reverse early decay.
  • Dental Fillings
    When the decay has extended past the enamel, dentists have the decayed portion removed and filled with materials such as composite resin or amalgam.
  • Dental Crowns
    For extensive decay that weakens the tooth structure, a customized crown is placed over the tooth to rebuild and restore it.
  • Root Canal Therapy
    If decay reaches the tooth pulp, a root canal procedure is needed to remove the infected tissue and seal the tooth.
  • Tooth Extraction
    In severe cases in which the decayed tooth cannot be saved, extraction is the only way out. The missing tooth is then replaced with a dental implant or bridge.

Dental Care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Are you suffering from a dental cavity? Consult some of the best dentists in Mumbai at our Department of Dental Surgery. With convenient hours and also after-hours emergency care on Sundays and holidays we are committed to offering our patients the best possible dental care. Our team follows high safety and sterilization standards and treats dental cavities using the latest technology and equipment. If you’re looking for expert care, consult the best dentists in Mumbai today and take the first step towards a healthier smile! https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/dentalsurgery.html

Know Why Your Oral Health Matters

Saturday, March 19th, 2022

According to statistics, more than 70% of schoolchildren suffer from dental cavities, and more than 90% of adults have periodontal disease in India. In addition, approximately 30% of children have misaligned jaws and teeth. Over half of Indians with dental problems receive treatment or advice from non-dental professionals such as chemists. The growing modernism has made more and more Indians shift from a traditional fibre-rich diet towards a sugary, synthetic diet, which is one of the leading causes of dental cavities.

Importance of good oral hygiene

To keep your teeth and gums healthy, practicing a healthy oral hygiene routine is required. It entails practices such as brushing twice a day, flossing and visiting the dentist on a regular basis. Tooth decay and gum disease, when left untreated, can cause pain, discomfort, and tooth loss in extreme cases. These oral health conditions may lead to malnutrition, speech problems, confidence issues,  absenteeism and other challenges in a person’s work, school, or personal life.

Common oral health problems

Here are some of the most common dental health conditions that affect people:

  • Cavities
    Cavities, or tooth decay, are one of the most frequent oral disorders that individuals experience. Cavities are caused by a build-up of germs, food, and acid around your teeth, resulting in plaque. Plaque can eat away our teeth’s enamel, producing tooth decay and cavities.
  • Gum Disease
    Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, usually caused by a bacterial infection. This gum disease can cause symptoms such as tenderness in the gum line, bleeding, or swelling.
  • Periodontitis
    Peridontitis is the progression of gum disease when it becomes more damaging to your gums and teeth. Pain when chewing, foul breath, swollen and/or bleeding gums, a terrible taste in your mouth, and overall gum inflammation are all common periodontitis symptoms.
  • Oral Cancer
    Oral cancer is one of the most deadly types of oral disease you can get. It usually begins as little, white patches on your tongue and mouth, then progresses to red blotchy spots that cause irritation, bleeding, and even swallowing difficulties.
  • Sensitive Teeth
    Sensitive teeth can be caused by many factors but one of the most common is the loss of protective enamel on your teeth, which exposes the dentin. Sensitive teeth may be an early warning sign of your teeth decaying or developing cavities.

How poor oral hygiene impacts your health

As your mouth is the primary entry point into the body, germs from the mouth can spread to other parts of the body, putting you at risk for a variety of illnesses and disorders. Brushing and flossing are required every single day. Here is how poor dental hygiene affects your overall health:

  • Increases your risk for heart disease and stroke.
  • May lead to Dementia.
  • Causes respiratory conditions.
  • Increases diabetes risk.

Ways to protect your oral health

It is critical to safeguard your teeth from harm and ensure that you maintain a good oral hygiene routine. This will reduce your risk of developing common dental health problems. You can maintain a healthy and beautiful smile at all times by learning how to properly safeguard and strengthen your teeth. The following are some of the most effective ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy:

  • Brush twice a day but not aggressively.
  • Use a fluoridated toothpaste.
  • Floss once a day.
  • Use a mouthwash regularly.
  • Do not smoke.
  • Limit sugary foods and starches.
  • Sip water instead of sugary drinks.
  • Visit a dentist regularly.

Dental Care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Dental experts recommend that you must see a dentist every 6 months for a checkup. A dentist offers preventive oral care tips as well as helps diagnose and treat oral health issues before they become severe. Consult dentists at our Department of Dental Surgery for advanced dental services using the highest safety measures. Our team is also available for emergency care on sundays and holidays and conducts various procedures in general dentistry, orthodontic dentistry as well as cosmetic dentistry. Please find below website details for further information:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/dentalsurgery.html

World Oral Health Day Posts

Tuesday, March 17th, 2020

World Oral Health Day is celebrated every year on 20 March. It is an international day to celebrate the benefits of a healthy mouth and to promote worldwide awareness of the issues around oral health.

Common oral health problems

People from all over the world and across all age groups suffer from common dental problems. Here are a few common oral health problems:

 

1. Cavities/Tooth Decay

Cavities are permanently damaged areas in or around the surface of your tooth that cause tiny holes. This one of the most common dental problems and can happen even to infants. They are caused by plaque from food high in sugar or starch content settling on the surface of the teeth. Bacteria inside your mouth feed on sugar and starch thus leading to the protective coat of your teeth (enamel) to slowly deteriorate. This then leads to tooth decay which will most likely need fillings.

2. Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the most common dental diseases adults get. It has three developing stages starting from gingivitis. Gingivitis is a gum disease that is reversible but, if not treated on time it may lead to a more serious problem call periodontal disease. Periodontal disease must be treated as soon as possible as it may also lead to tooth loss.

3. Bad Breath

Nothing is more embarrassing than bad breath. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common oral problem across all ages. Studies show about 85% of people with bad breath are suffering some other dental problem that is to blame. Bad breath is a common symptom of gum disease, cavities or oral cancer.

4. Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is also called xerostomia. This is a condition where saliva glands are not able to produce enough saliva to keep the inside of the mouth moist. Saliva has antibacterial components that help keep plaque off of teeth surface. It is caused by several things such as smoking, prescription medication, aging or stress. People who are on medication or chemotherapy are at very high risk of dry mouth.

5. Tooth Crowding

Tooth crowding isn’t only an aesthetic dental problem. It can cause alignment issues that eventually can cause a jaw disorder. Misaligned bites can cause jaw problems that might need surgery to fix. Braces are the best option to treat crowded teeth. Depending on the crowding, orthodontists might even suggest extraction to make room for teeth to shift. 

6. Root Infection

If you’ve heard of or tried a root canal treatment, then you know a root infection is a serious problem. It’s painful and very uncomfortable. Root infection occurs when bacteria infect the root part of your tooth. It enters the centre of your tooth and attacks the pulp tissue inside. If left untreated it may eventually develop into an abscess. A root canal procedure is highly recommended.

7. Tooth Loss

Many of the above mentioned dental problems can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease eventually leads to this if not treated immediately. Tooth decay can also lead to extraction if the tooth can no longer be saved. The same goes for root infections. Dentures or dental implants are recommended for tooth loss.

8. Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is the deadliest dental problem one can encounter. It starts with a small pinkish growth in the mouth. It’s unlikely to be noticed since our mouths don’t innately have smooth surfaces and are naturally pink or reddish in color. A regular visit to the dentist will help detect this who may advice further investigation. 

Here are the top oral hygiene tips to follow:
  • Brush twice a day: Brush your teeth once in the morning and then at night. Brushing your teeth at night helps thoroughly clean all the food particles, plaque, and germs from your teeth and gums and helps prevent cavities.
  • Do not forget to floss once a day, every day: Flossing is as important as brushing. Flossing helps you get rid of plaque more thoroughly as the flossing thread goes deep within the gaps between your teeth, something that your toothbrush is not able to do. This will prevent the build-up of bacteria and hence cavities.
  • Clean your tongue: You cannot ignore your tongue. Get a copper tongue scraper to thoroughly clean the surface of your tongue. Your tongue contains a lot of bacteria that need to be removed frequently. If you don’t do this, you could suffer from gingivitis,  bad breath, cavities, and even gum disease.
  • Use mouthwash regularly: Many don’t believe in using mouthwashes. A mouth wash will thoroughly cleanse your mouth. 
  • Schedule regular visits to the dentist:  It is necessary to get your teeth checked by a dentist regularly. That’s why a visit to the dentist every six months is highly recommended. Scaling or deep cleaning your teeth about twice a year is essential to remove plaque build-up.
  • Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months: Or when the bristles of the brush develop frayed ends. Your brush can harbour bacteria too. For effective cleaning,  replace your toothbrush regularly.
Do you make these oral hygiene mistakes?

Here are some of the most common oral hygiene mistakes people make:

  • Brushing your teeth only in the morning.
  • Brushing your teeth too hard.
  • Not spending enough time brushing.
  • Replacing flossing with mouth wash.
  • Drinking a sugary beverage at lunch.
  • Only seeing the dentist when you’re in pain.
  • Not gargling after having tea or coffee.
  • Using your tooth as a bottle opener.

Dental problems can be prevented and completely avoided if you be responsible for your oral health. Keeping your oral health up by staying away from food that contributes to plaque build-up is also a step in taking care of your fitness. For any tooth or gum problems consult a dentist immediately. Prevention is better than cure. Please find our Department of Dental Surgery for more details.