Dental question about taxonomy:condition:cavities
A cavity is a damaged area where acids from plaque dissolve tooth minerals and create a defect that may need fluoride care, a filling, or deeper treatment.
The short answer
A cavity, also called dental caries, begins when plaque bacteria use sugars to produce acids that remove minerals from enamel and dentine.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Early mineral loss may have no symptoms. As the defect advances, cold or sweet sensitivity, food trapping, a rough surface, brown or dark change, or toothache can appear.
What can you do next?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth, reduce frequent sugary drinks and snacks, and keep dental visits for examination. A dentist may use visual inspection, bitewing radiographs, or a small instrument to assess extent, then choose remineralisation advice, a filling, or pulp treatment.
When should you seek dental care?
Arrange care when sensitivity persists, a hole is visible, food repeatedly packs into one area, or pain develops. Swelling, fever, or severe spontaneous pain needs urgent assessment because the pulp or surrounding tissues may be involved.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask how deep the lesion is, whether it is active, what material suits the tooth, and how the filling or other treatment will protect the remaining enamel and dentine.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cavity heal?
Early mineral loss may be stabilised with fluoride and plaque control, but a formed hole generally needs restorative treatment.
Why does a cavity hurt?
Pain can occur when decay reaches dentine or irritates the pulp, the living tissue inside the tooth.