Cavities: Causes, Prevention and Treatments

Caries is a multifactorial disease that is characterized by the destruction of the dental tissues (enamel and dentin) breaking the integrity of the tooth, as a consequence of the demineralization caused by the acids of plaque.

What causes cavities?

• The intake of sugars and acids contained in beverages and food.
• Errors in hygiene techniques (lack of dental brushing, poor brushing technique, no flossing).
• Genetic etiology, mineralization defects increase the risk of caries development.
• Influence of pH of saliva, acidic pH increases the likelihood of developing caries.
• Dry mouth.

How can cavities be prevented?

• Performing daily dental hygiene.
• Maintaining a balanced diet, limiting the intake of sugars.
• Using fluoride supplements in pasta and mouthwash.
• Placing fissure sealants can prevent the establishment and development of a carious lesion.

How is cavities treated?

• If the tooth is not treated, it can subsequently lead to inflammation of the area surrounding the apex (end of the root) producing apical periodontitis and may lead to dental abscess.
• If the caries is not treated it will break the integrity of the affected tooth, producing a perforation of the same that reaches the pulp; Then it becomes inflamed and pulpitis occurs.
• The treatment of caries is fundamental to avoid major problems, since it can completely lose the tooth and complicate with other pathologies: periodontitis, abscess, cellulitis and involvement of the supporting bone.

For more information consult your dentist .