Is a cavity the same as tooth decay?

Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
Updated on September 14, 2024
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Cavities, also known as dental caries, are a chronic progressive destructive disease caused by bacterial infection of the hard tissues of the teeth. Once a tooth is affected by a cavity, it is necessary to fill the tooth as soon as possible. Otherwise, the bacteria will further infect the tooth, causing inflammation of the dental nerve. Inflammation results in significant pain, including sensitivity to hot and cold, pain intensified by temperature changes, and even symptoms of nighttime pain. The most typical symptom of pulpitis is nighttime pain, which can wake someone from sleep. Therefore, once cavities occur, it is crucial to remove the decayed part of the tooth and fill it promptly to prevent potential tooth loss.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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How to deal with toothache from cavities?

Cavity toothache occurs when bacteria infect the hard tissue of the tooth, approaching or reaching the dental nerve, causing a pain response from the nerve, which is also a self-protective reaction. Initial treatment for cavity toothache involves using a drill to remove the decayed hard tissue of the tooth. If the decay is completely removed and the dental nerve is not exposed, this condition can be directly treated by filling or using a pulp-capping agent to protect the nerve before filling. If, after removing the decay, the dental nerve is exposed or reached, the situation cannot be resolved with a direct and immediate filling. Instead, nerve-killing procedures are necessary, which involve root canal treatment of the tooth.

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Written by Fang Xiao
Dentistry
1min 48sec home-news-image

If a cavity doesn't hurt, is it better not to treat it?

Cavities are primarily caused by poor oral hygiene and the effects of bacteria in the mouth, among other factors, leading to chronic progressive destruction of the hard tissues of the teeth. Generally, the progression is slow, initially appearing as yellowish-brown spots or defects on the tooth surface without causing any pain symptoms, making the treatment fairly straightforward—simply removing the decay and filling it can often be completed in one session. However, many cavities are not treated during this optimal period and progress to the dentin, causing sensitivity to hot and cold and leading to toothache. If not treated promptly, the cavity will enlarge, and in severe cases, lead to pulp infection, causing spontaneous pain, episodic pain, and pain from temperature stimuli. At this stage, the treatment becomes more complex and painful, requiring root canal therapy, typically needing three to four follow-up visits, and thus, costing more than a simple one-time treatment. If the condition is not controlled, it may develop into apical periodontitis or apical abscess, leading to space infections. The treatment then becomes even more complicated and painful, requiring incision and drainage, along with systemic anti-inflammatory treatment. If the tooth is severely damaged, the remaining roots and crowns can become a focal point for bacterial infection, potentially inducing other diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to detect and treat cavities early—the smaller the cavity, the better the treatment outcome, also saving time and money.

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Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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Is tooth decay a contagious disease?

Cavities occur due to a large amount of dental plaque and tartar on the teeth, which erodes the teeth over time, causing damage to the enamel and dentin. This results in the appearance of black spots, black patches, and cavities. However, cavities are not contagious because there are always a large number of bacteria in the mouth due to eating and other reasons, so it is important to develop good brushing habits and the correct technique. Although brushing can remove some dental plaque, its effect is limited. It is best to undergo dental and gum cleaning treatments to significantly improve the removal of dental plaque and eliminate the harm of cavities to the human body.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Can you ignore a cavity if it doesn't hurt?

When patients develop dental caries, it is recommended that they visit a formal medical institution for treatment. If the tooth decay is not addressed, it may worsen significantly. While it may not always cause pain, the teeth can still be damaged. Over time, the teeth might deteriorate severely, potentially leaving only the roots. This could also lead to damage to the tooth roots, causing inconvenience in the patient's dietary life and might lead to severe complications later on, including pain and irritation to the gum tissue. Therefore, it is advised that patients seek early medical treatment and undergo appropriate therapeutic measures based on the condition of their dental caries.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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Can you get your teeth cleaned if you have cavities?

Cavities can also be treated with teeth cleaning. Firstly, a cavity is a type of dental caries, a tooth condition caused by tissue infection. Generally, it is accompanied by pain. Teeth cleaning is needed when there is a significant build-up of tartar around the teeth, which if not promptly cleaned, can lead to gingivitis and even periodontitis, potentially causing tooth loss. During cavities, teeth cleaning can be performed. However, teeth cleaning involves ultrasonic removal of tartar around the teeth. If the cavities are deep, the cleaning process may cause discomfort or severe pain. Therefore, it is necessary to treat the cavities first before proceeding with teeth cleaning to avoid significant pain during the cleaning process.