Identifying Cavities: Symptoms, Causes, and Strategies for Prevention
In the United States, more than half of all adults have untreated tooth decay, with around 65% of those over the age of 65 having experienced at least one cavity [1]. This concerning statistic highlights the importance of understanding the factors that contribute to tooth decay and cavities, and the steps that can be taken to prevent them.
Poor oral hygiene is one of the primary risk factors for cavities. Neglecting regular brushing and flossing allows cavity-causing bacteria to thrive and produce acids that damage tooth enamel [2]. The frequent consumption of sugary drinks, sweets, biscuits, bread, and crackers also promotes acid production by oral bacteria, leading to tooth decay [4].
Other risk factors include smoking, diabetes, low access to dental care, and certain systemic conditions such as obesity and metabolic disorders. Smoking contributes to cavity risk by affecting oral tissues and saliva, which protect against decay [3]. Diabetes, especially type 2, is linked to higher cavity risk due to reduced saliva flow and altered saliva composition, which impairs natural cleansing and buffering of acids [5].
Children from low-income households and older people who are on a low income and do not have medical insurance are at a higher risk of tooth decay and cavities. This is due to a combination of factors, including limited access to dental care and a diet rich in sugary foods and drinks [1]. Hispanic adults and non-Hispanic Black adults on low incomes and without access to appropriate dental care are also at a higher risk [1].
Common symptoms of cavities include sensitivity or toothache in the area of the cavity, and in some cases, receding gums that expose the tooth root to decay, increasing the risk of cavities [2]. Small, surface cavities may not cause any signs or symptoms to begin with, making regular dental checkups crucial for early detection and treatment.
Without treatment, cavities can extend into the deeper layers of the tooth, leading to increasing pain, swelling, infection, and tooth loss. In severe cases, an oral infection can spread to the bloodstream, resulting in septicemia, which can lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition involving widespread inflammation throughout the body and possible organ failure [6].
To lower the risk of cavities in adults, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene, moderating sugar intake, controlling systemic diseases like diabetes, avoiding smoking, and seeking regular dental checkups. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends regular brushing, flossing, dental visits, oral hygiene visits, controlling diet, taking supplements, receiving dental sealants, and contacting a dentist for any symptoms of dental decay or oral health issues [7].
Prompt treatment can help prevent dental disease from worsening and causing other complications. If you suspect you may have a cavity, it is essential to seek professional help from a dentist, who will look for signs of tooth decay during an oral examination and may recommend dental X-rays to help look for cavities [3].
Science has shown that oral health plays a crucial role in overall health and wellness, with poor oral hygiene being a primary risk factor for tooth decay and cavities. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are essential steps to prevent toothaches and cavities, as neglecting these can lead to various oral health problems that may even escalate into severe conditions like sepsis.
