Cavities: An Overview

November 07, 2009

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Cavities: An Overview

by Amy A. Napierala, D.D.S.
reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Although we dentists do our best to make our young patients comfortable during every type of dental process, we know that no child enjoys hearing those four little words: "You've got a cavity." What they, and even their parents, sometimes don't realize is that these tiny holes in teeth aren?t inevitable childhood souvenirs; with proper home hygiene, regular dental visits, and good dietary habits, most, if not all, can be avoided.

How is a cavity formed?
Cavities are caused by an acid reaction in the mouth that occurs every time we eat. A sticky film, commonly referred to as plaque, builds up on our teeth throughout the day and contains different types of bacteria. These bacteria feed on sugars or carbohydrates and cause the plaque to become acidic. This acidic
environment can dissolve the outer surface (enamel) of the tooth. This process,
called demineralization, can lead to the formation of a white spot on the tooth. The white spot itself is not a cavity, and improving our diet, brushing, flossing, and extra topical fluoride can help the tooth repair itself, a process called remineralization. Our teeth constantly go through stages of demineralization and
remineralization, but if a tooth breaks down faster than it can repair itself, a cavity results. Once it reaches this stage, a dentist needs to repair the tooth with a
filling.

How can cavities be avoided?
The most common cavity-causing culprits are poor oral hygiene, consuming frequent snacks of sugary food, and harboring large quantities of the bacteria that cause tooth decay (some people are more prone to hosting the type of bacteria that cause cavities). Avoiding cavities, therefore, a multifaceted approach:

Reduce exposure to cavity-causing bacteria. Parents and caregivers often are surprised to learn that they are the sources for most of the harmful bacteria in their young children?s mouths. This contamination stems from a variety of seemingly innocent actions, such as tasting a baby's food to see if it's the right temperature and then using the same spoon to feed her. Being careful about not contaminating anything that your child puts in her mouth--whether it's food, drink, or a pacifier--is a good way to reduce her exposure to harmful bacteria.

Even before that first tooth comes in, get your child used to having her gums cleaned with gauze.

When her teeth emerge, make brushing and flossing a regular part of her routine.

Don't allow your child to get used to a lot of sweets. Candy, soft drinks, and other sugary snacks are fine once in a while, but they shouldn't be a major part of your child's diet.

See a pediatric dentist on a regular basis. A child should have her first visit to a dentist within six months of the eruption of her first tooth (usually around her first birthday). She should see a dentist twice a year for a thorough cleaning and oral examination.


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Created December 14, 2000
Reviewed December 20, 2000

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