Why do cavities turn black?

Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
Updated on January 30, 2025
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Cavities generally appear black, while normal teeth are white. The structural changes in the dental tissues due to bacterial infection cause the hard tissues of the teeth to demineralize, enlarging the internal spaces of the teeth. This can cause cavities to appear black under the refraction of sunlight, resulting in a black appearance. Additionally, after the deterioration of the tooth due to decay, the breakdown of the hard tissue allows food residues or plaque to enter the cavities, which can also cause the cavities to turn black. This situation requires early dental filling to remove the decayed parts, followed by root canal treatment, otherwise it can lead to pulpitis, causing tooth pain.

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Written by Fang Xiao
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How to prevent cavities in children

Prevention of tooth decay in children should first encourage them to develop good tooth-brushing habits, reducing bacteria and plaque on the tooth surface, and include brushing in the morning and evening, as well as rinsing after meals. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body but is susceptible to cracking. Acidic or sugary substances are harmful to teeth, so it's best to avoid sweets and acidic foods in the evening and to brush teeth before going to bed. Brushing teeth before sleeping is crucial and some anti-cavity treatments should be done, such as fluoride application or dental sealants. It's also important to develop a habit of regular dental check-ups to detect and treat cavities early.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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How to perform pulp drainage for dental caries?

Pulpotomy and drainage for caries involve a treatment method for acute pulpitis or apical periodontitis caused by infected dental nerves. Teeth are composed of enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp tissue. The pulp tissue, also known as the dental nerve, is located within the innermost part of the tooth, surrounded by the hard layers of dentin and cementum. Therefore, once the dental nerve becomes inflamed, the pressure within the pulp chamber rapidly increases. To alleviate the pain, it is necessary to release this pressure, namely by performing a pulpotomy and drainage. This can be done by drilling to remove some of the infected dental tissues, and then opening up the pulp chamber to relieve the pressure, significantly reducing the pain. If the dental nerve is completely purulent and necrotic, the top of the pulp chamber can be removed, followed by thorough pulpotomy and drainage.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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The concept of dental caries

Cavities, also known as dental caries or tooth decay, are caused by bacterial infection that damages the hard tissues of the teeth. Once cavities occur, it is essential to intervene with dental treatment as soon as possible. Strictly speaking, cavities represent a bacterial infection caused by the failure to remove food residues timely after eating. Bacteria break down glucose, producing lactic acid, which causes demineralization of the teeth. Once cavities occur, it is crucial to undergo dental filling treatment promptly, commonly referred to as dental restoration. If the progression of decay is not promptly halted, it can lead to further complications over time, including pulpitis which causes toothache or night pain, pain during sleep intense enough to wake one from sleep, and in severe cases, facial swelling.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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What will happen if tooth decay is not treated?

If dental caries are not treated, they may further infect and cause inflammation of the dental nerves, leading to pulpitis or apical periodontitis, causing severe pain. When apical periodontitis occurs, it may sometimes lead to a space infection, which is facial swelling. If the inflammation is not controlled in time, it may also cause osteomyelitis of the jawbone. Therefore, dental caries need to be treated as early as possible. Dental caries are caused by bacterial infections that lead to the decay of the hard tissues of the teeth; in the early stages of decay, using a drill to stop the development of the disease—namely, timely filling—can effectively control the further progression of dental caries. If dental caries further infect and cause inflammation of the dental nerves, it can lead to pain while eating or sleeping, sometimes waking from sleep due to pain, and in severe cases, it can cause facial swelling.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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Do children's cavities need treatment?

Whether children's dental caries need treatment may require taking X-rays of the teeth, or it can be judged based on the child's age. If a child around seven or eight years old has decay in the front teeth, these teeth can soon be replaced, and treatment may not be necessary. However, if the molars at the back, which are replaced at around twelve or thirteen years of age, are decayed, then it is necessary to treat these early by removing the decay and filling the teeth. Otherwise, bacteria may further infect the dental nerves, causing pain. If children's dental caries are not timely treated, it can also affect chewing. During childhood, the jawbone undergoes significant development. If the chewing function is impaired, it can affect the development of the jawbone, hence early treatment of children's dental caries is essential.