Different Cavity Types and How They Affect Your Teeth

Incipient Dental Caries

Incipient caries refer to the earliest stage of tooth decay, where the enamel begins to demineralise but has not yet formed a visible hole or cavity. At this stage, the damage is reversible if proper treatment, such as fluoride application, is used.

Pit and Fissure Caries

Pit and fissure caries are the ones which occur on the surface of premolars and molars. This is due to the deep grooves that trap food and bacteria, which results in decay.

Such a cavity in the molar can cause toothache and sensitivity. If left untreated, it can reach the pulp of the tooth, leading to infection. A common reason for cavity in teeth is poor oral hygiene, which allows bacteria to damage the enamel and deeper layers. These gross caries require extensive dental treatments like crowns or fillings, and in severe cases, tooth extraction may be necessary.

Smooth Surface Caries

Smooth surface caries, also known as surface cavities, occur on flat surfaces of teeth, such as between teeth or along the gumline. While smooth surface caries take longer to progress, leaving them untreated or neglected can lead to tooth discolouration and sensitivity. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using mouthwash regularly can help remove plaque and bacteria and prevent such cavities between front teeth.

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using mouthwash regularly can help remove plaque and bacteria and prevent such cavities between front teeth.

Root Caries

Root caries occur when the gums recede from the teeth, exposing the tooth roots. As a result, the roots, which are not as protected by enamel as the crowns, become more vulnerable to decay. These are more common in older adults who may experience gum recession as a result of ageing or gum disease.

With root caries, you might have severe tooth sensitivity, toothache, and tooth loss. The preventive methods for root caries are using fluoride treatments, maintaining gum health, and stimulating saliva production with sugar-free gum.

Recurrent Caries

Recurrent caries are also called secondary caries, which occur when bacteria start accumulating around dental fillings or other kinds of restorations that already exist. Over time, these bacteria can get in between the filling and tooth and cause damage underneath, resulting in small cavities in teeth.

Nursing Bottle Caries

Nursing bottle caries or cavities in milk teeth are the kind of decay which affects young children who drink from milk bottles, juice bottles, or formula, especially before sleeping. The sugar from these liquids coats the teeth, which leads to rapid decay.

This is why giving infants nursing bottles for an extended period of time is not recommended. It is better to limit the time of bottle feeding, clean your baby’s gums and teeth with a wet cloth, and take them for dental check-ups.

Wisdom Teeth Caries

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth at the back of your mouth. These teeth are more prone to dental caries compared to other teeth due to their position and unique characteristics. Wisdom teeth caries occur when the enamel of these teeth is eroded by acids produced by bacteria.

The best way to prevent cavities in these teeth is by maintaining good oral hygiene, having regular dental visits, and managing your diet. If cavities do form, early intervention with fillings or other treatments like composite bonding can prevent more serious problems down the line.