3 Commonly Confused Dental Terms

Demystifying Tooth Decay: Understanding Dental Caries and Cavities

Close up of a black hole on the top of a molar tooth. Beside it are dental tools. — *Don’t add extra holes to your mouth! Cavities are named after the empty cavity they leave in a tooth.*

Tooth decay? Dental Caries? Cavities? That’s a mouthful! Dental terminology may seem complicated, but a brief explanation of key terms can take the bite out of confusion over the vocabulary of oral health.

What’s the Difference Between Caries and Cavities?

While the word “cavities” is probably familiar to you (perhaps painful so!), many are unfamiliar with the term “caries.” It’s just another, more technical, way of saying tooth decay. A cavity is the hole in a tooth that results from this decay. So if your dentist warns you that dental caries or cavities are a problem for you or a member of your family, it’s time to sink your teeth into the causes and treatment of tooth decay.

comparison of normal tooth, dental carries and dental cavities — *Dental caries, otherwise known as decay, is the first step in the process of developing a cavity.*

tages of tooth decay in enamel, dentin and pulp — *Waiting can be painful! Although the first stages of decay are often missed, once it has reached the inner layer called ‘dentin’, pain becomes noticeable.*

The World Health Organization reports that tooth decay is humanity’s most common noncommunicable disease, affecting 2.3 billion adults and 560 million kids worldwide. That’s a lot of ouch! Tooth decay is progressive process caused by exposure to bacteria in the mouth that feed on sugars and produce acids that erode the hard enamel coating of teeth and the slightly softer dentine layer (that’s where the painful part of cavities starts). Chipped and cracked teeth can give harmful bacteria access to the interior, accelerating tooth decay.

As the bacteria multiply and interact with the sugars and saliva in your mouth, they form a sticky film called plaque. Plaque that isn’t promptly removed by brushing and flossing can harden into tartar on the tooth surface and under your gums – the tough stuff that your dental technician scrapes and grinds away during your regular cleaning. Tartar (also called calculus) is especially bad news, as it contributes to sore and bleeding gums and bad breath.

What Are Signs of Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay happens gradually, and you may not even notice the early signs. Watch for patches on teeth that are whiter than the surrounding enamel. This is the result of mineral loss that weakens the enamel – the first step toward a cavity.

Other signs of oral health issues are:

Sensitivity to cold or hot foods and liquids
Sour taste in the mouth

Bad breath
Painful and inflamed gums
Discolored and darkened tooth enamel
Visible holes and crevices in the tooth
Sharp pain

Left untreated, tooth decay may ultimately penetrate into the soft, nerve-rich pulp, causing inflammation known as pulpitis, and periodontitis, an infection damaging the soft tissues and bones supporting your teeth.

examples of enamel caries, dentin caries, pulpitis and periodontitis — *Starting at the enamel, tooth decay eventually travels to the inner layer of pulp called ‘dentin’. From there, it continues to eat away at the tooth until a hole, or cavity, has formed.*

How can tooth decay be minimized or avoided?

It’s not rocket science – limiting your intake of sugary foods, frequent brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing are your best defenses against tooth decay, along with regular visits to your dental health providers. The team at Alexandria Smiles is happy to partner with you to keep your smile gleaming.

What if a cavity develops anyway?

Schedule Regular Check-Ups

By having regular visits with your dentist, decay and cavities can be spotted early to prevent further damage and discomfort.

Engage in Proper Dental Hygiene

Following a regular cleaning routine that includes brushing with fluoride toothpaste is one of the best ways you can avoid decay.

Clean the Spaces Between

Flossing not only prevents gum disease but also helps you avoid cavities!

Despite preventative methods of dental care, sometimes decay and cavities occur anyway due to genetics or other complications. Whatever the case, our team at Alexandria Smiles is committed to creating individualized treatment plans to restore both the health and overall look of your smile.

Are you ready to experience the impact a healthy smile can make?

Contact us today and schedule an appointment!

Your teeth will be glad you did.