There are many bacteria in the mouth. Some bacteria are there to aid digestion and improve oral health and breath. Among those bacteria are bad ones. These bad ones are introduced to the mouth through acids gotten from sweet or acidic foods. Either you have good oral health to combat the acid buildup or face severe teeth injuries. The harmful bacteria begin to accumulate on your teeth as plaque-causing tooth decay after some time. The disease attacks the enamel, which is supposed to protect your teeth. The attack breaks down the enamel revealing the inner layers making it a cavity.
What Are Some Symptoms of a Cavity?
The tooth cavity starts with many symptoms and pain, indicating a problem with the tooth. Some symptoms are:
- Toothache
- Tooth sensitivity
- Bad breath
- Eating pain
- Sharp sensation from taking hot or cold
- Holes on the tooth
- Swelling or inflammation
Causes
Tooth decay that’s not treated graduates to a cavity. The process of tooth decay starts from;
- Plaque forms. Dental plaque is the sticky part of your teeth caused by sugar and starchy food. The particles build up from not brushing the teeth. Sugar and starch easily attract bacteria which later form plaque. Plaque can take longer to notice as they are hidden under or above your gum line. The formation further results in tartar which forms a wall of bacteria, making the condition more severe.
- Plaque attacks. The acids caused by the plaque attack the outer enamel. This chipping off the tooth causes an opening or a hole in the enamel. Once the protective shield of the tooth is neutralized, the bacteria make their way to the next layer called dentin. The dentin is similar to the enamel but softer and prone to acid. Dentin is directed connected to the nerves with tiny tubes for sensitivity.
- Destruction continues. The decay continues to escalate as the bacteria and acid penetrate the tooth defenses. The action moves to the pulp’s inner layer, which contains blood vessels and nerves. The decay is swollen, weakened and causes irritation on the pulp. The pain is caused by the compression of the nerves filled in a tiny space. The pain causes external discomfort in the mouth.
However, if these symptoms are left untreated, there would be further consequences like:
The Cavity Will Progress
The cavity will continue to progress and grow into a bigger one. The damaged enamel can no longer protect the tooth from bacteria and acids which continue to break the tooth. The further the damage, the more the decay on the tooth will eventually pull out the tooth by damaging the nerves and blood vessels.
The Tooth Will Eventually Require Extraction
Eventually, the pain caused by the tooth will land you a dentist visit to unplug the tooth. Your dentist will do the procedure, who will further inform you if the tooth can be saved or not. The answer, though, depends on the state and severity of the cavity. Tooth cavity is the primary reason for tooth removal but can be prevented and treated.
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