What Are Cavities?
Cavities, also known as dental caries or tooth decay, are permanently damaged areas on the hard surface of your teeth that develop into small holes or openings. They occur when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that gradually break down the protective enamel layer of your teeth.
Tooth decay is one of the most common dental conditions and can affect people of all ages. Without treatment, cavities can grow larger and reach the deeper layers of your teeth, potentially leading to infection, significant pain, and tooth loss.
At Divine Dental Care in Croydon, we focus on early detection and treatment of cavities to help preserve your natural teeth and maintain your oral health.
Causes and Risk Factors
Cavities develop when a combination of factors allows harmful bacteria to damage your tooth structure over time. Common causes and risk factors include:
- Frequent consumption of sugary or starchy foods and drinks
- Sipping on acidic beverages such as soft drinks, fruit juices, or sports drinks
- Inadequate brushing and flossing, allowing plaque to build up on teeth
- Dry mouth (reduced saliva production), which can be caused by certain medications or medical conditions
- Acid reflux (GORD), which exposes teeth to stomach acids
- Receding gums, which expose the softer root surfaces of teeth
- Worn or cracked fillings that allow bacteria to accumulate underneath
- Frequent snacking or grazing throughout the day
- Not receiving adequate fluoride from toothpaste or drinking water
- Teeth with deep grooves or pits that are difficult to clean
Signs and Symptoms
In the early stages, cavities may not produce any noticeable symptoms at all. As decay progresses, you may experience one or more of the following:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- A toothache or spontaneous pain without an obvious cause
- Pain when biting down or chewing
- Visible holes, pits, or dark spots on the surface of a tooth
- Brown, black, or white staining on the tooth surface
- A rough or uneven feeling when you run your tongue over a tooth
- Food frequently getting caught in the same area
If you notice any of these signs, we recommend scheduling an appointment at our Croydon clinic so we can assess the affected tooth and discuss your treatment options.
Treatment at Divine Dental Care
The treatment for cavities depends on the extent of the decay and which layers of the tooth are affected. Our dental team will assess your individual situation and recommend an appropriate approach.
Dental Fillings
For small to moderate cavities, a filling is typically the standard treatment. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed and replaced with a tooth-coloured composite resin material that restores the shape and function of the tooth. Fillings are a straightforward procedure and can usually be completed in a single appointment at our Croydon practice.
Dental Crowns
When decay is more extensive and has weakened a significant portion of the tooth, a dental crown may be recommended. A crown is a custom-made cap that covers and protects the remaining tooth structure, restoring its strength and appearance.
Root Canal Treatment
If decay has reached the innermost layer of the tooth (the pulp), where the nerves and blood vessels are located, root canal treatment may be necessary. This procedure involves removing the infected pulp tissue, cleaning and disinfecting the internal canals, and sealing the tooth. A crown is usually placed over the tooth afterwards for added protection. Root canal treatment aims to save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted.
Extraction
In cases where the tooth is too severely damaged to be restored, extraction may be the only remaining option. Our team will discuss tooth replacement options with you, such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures, to restore function and appearance.
Prevention Tips
Preventing cavities is always preferable to treating them. Here are some practical steps you can take to reduce your risk of tooth decay:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes each time
- Floss daily to clean between teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach
- Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, especially between meals
- Drink water throughout the day to help rinse away food particles and bacteria
- Attend regular dental check-ups and professional cleans — we recommend every six months
- Ask about fissure sealants for children or adults with deep grooves in their back teeth
- Chew sugar-free gum after meals to stimulate saliva production
- If you experience dry mouth, speak with your dentist about strategies to manage it
Regular visits to Divine Dental Care in Croydon allow us to detect early signs of decay before they progress, helping you avoid more complex treatment down the track. Contact our team to book your next check-up.
