The Truth About Cavities and How to Avoid Them
How sugar, bacteria and acid cause tooth decay, the signs of a cavity, and how fillings, crowns and fluoride treat and prevent it.
By the DentistDSS team · Published · Updated
Cavities, also called dental caries, are damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny holes. They are caused by bacteria in the mouth that feed on sugars and starches from food and produce acid, which draws minerals out of tooth enamel.
Tooth decay can begin before a hole forms and often causes no symptoms at first. A dentist may be able to stop or reverse early decay with fluoride and changes to daily habits. Once a hole forms, the tooth usually needs a filling or other treatment. Do not wait for pain before having a dental check.
Frequent snacking, sugary drinks and poor oral hygiene significantly increase your risk of cavities. Later signs can include toothache, sensitivity, visible holes and staining.
How to prevent cavities
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, spit without rinsing, and clean between teeth each day. Limit sugary foods and drinks, especially frequent snacks and sipping between meals. Attend dental checks at the interval advised for you.
Treatment
Treatment depends on how far the decay has gone. A small cavity is usually repaired with a filling, while advanced decay may need a crown or root canal treatment. Sometimes a tooth is too damaged to save and needs to be removed. Finding decay early keeps treatment simpler, which is why regular checks matter.
Sources
- Tooth decay, Australian Dental Association
- The tooth decay process, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (US)
- Tooth decay, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (US)
