A missing tooth is not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of cavities. Most people would think of tooth pain or needing a dental filling. However, an untreated cavity can cause tooth loss, which affects more than the smile’s aesthetics. A missing tooth can usher in many oral problems, from teeth misalignment to jaw issues and gum disease. For this reason, dentists often advise patients to seek treatment once they notice the initial signs of cavities. In this article, you will learn about the development of cavities and how it can cause missing teeth.
A tooth consists of three layers – the hard, first layer called the enamel, the softer, middle layer known as dentin, and lastly, the innermost layer containing the nerve and pulp tissue. Also called decay or caries, cavities cause structural damage to the teeth. Here is how a cavity starts:
After consuming foods or drinks, the bacteria present in the mouth convert the sugar and starch remnant into acids. The combination of bacteria, food particles, saliva, and the resulting acid forms plaque, which sticks to the tooth surface within minutes after eating. If the plaque is not cleaned off, it eventually hardens into tartar.
The presence of tartar and plaque causes gum inflammation, marking the beginning of the periodontal disease, called gingivitis. Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.
The acid produced by the bacterial plaque produces acids that gradually break down the enamel, causing cavities. When a cavity is not filled on time, it deepens until the infection gets to the tooth pulp. An infection or tooth abscess often ends up in extraction or missing tooth. A large cavity wrecks the entire tooth structure, until saving it might be impossible. Failure to replace the lost tooth will only result in further tooth loss.
The alternative is to repair the cavity and stop further damage. If the cavity is small and detected early, it will only affect the enamel, which can easily be fixed with a filling, inlay, onlay, or dental crown. An infection can be treated with a root canal to save the tooth.
A cavity usually starts as a toothache. It is usually the sign that a dental visit is necessary. However, sometimes, the cavity may not even cause any pain. The more patients postpone the dental appointment, the more the cavity worsens to the point where it affects the tooth nerves or causes a fracture, and then, the pain might be unbearable. Even if the tooth pain is not persistent, the achiness may come when consuming cold or hot foods and drinks.
Fortunately, a cavity is preventable through proper oral health care. This means brushing at least twice daily, flossing, and reducing excessive intake of sugary and starchy foods. Biannual appointments with the dentist are also important as it ensures early detection of cavities.
A cavity, if caught early, will not cause a missing tooth. Book an appointment with the dentist today for a dental exam and cleaning.
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