Cavities, cause and prevention

Cavity. Photo: Collected
Cavity. Photo: Collected

Cavities can be caused by a number of reasons. Tooth decay or caries, holes formed in teeth and root canal treatment may cause this dental condition. Food particles and germs deposited in teeth cause infection and lead to acute pain, especially in children.

Dental caries is one of the major causes of cavities. It looks like a small hole in the beginning. People, especially children, are initially unaware of the problem as it is painless at first. It is only felt once the damage begins. If after root canal the patient do not use a porcelain crown, the cavity increases and the dental work is undone.

Treatment

It is important to fill the hole as soon as it is seen. If dental caries go deeper from dentin to the pulp chamber, the severity of the pain increases and the treatment becomes more complex. Nowadays the affected tooth is filled with light cure or filling material which resembles the colour of the original tooth. Teeth with root canals should be covered by the porcelain crown as early as possible.

Five ways to prevent cavities

*             Brush teeth regularly twice a day

*             Avoid drinks high in sugar content, sticky and acidic foods, coffee, etc and rinse your mouth properly after eating

*             Develop the habit of flossing

*             Quit smoking

*             Keep your teeth clean

* Dr Arup Ratan Choudhury is a senior consultant at the dental department of BIRDEM Hospital. This piece originally published in Prothom Alo print edition has been rewritten in English by Faria Islam.