No matter how hard you try to prevent the development of cavities, they can still occur. You want to further your knowledge of them so you can take extra tips to avoid them. This article is a great place to start when it comes to learning about cavities, how they progress and what can be done to prevent and treat them.

The beginning stages of a cavity

Plaque buildup contains bacteria and acids that work to destroy the enamel of your tooth. Over time, it will wear the enamel down and create a hole. This hole will get bigger and bigger until you have the cavity taken care of. 

Any other damage to your tooth that causes a weak spot or a hole can also create an opportunity for a cavity to occur. This is just one reason why you want to take precautions by making sure you don't make a habit out of eating hard candies, chewing ice, open packages with your teeth and don't get mouth piercings. All these things can cause damage or extra wear and tear on your teeth. 

Once you have the beginning stages of a cavity, there is nothing you can do to repair the damage aside from going to the dentist to have the cavity filled. This is why prevention is the best thing you can do for your teeth.

A cavity can lead to other problems

If you don't have your cavity treated early on, it will grow in size. Eventually, it can become so large that it can lead to your tooth becoming so weak it breaks. An untreated cavity can also cause a significant amount of pain, infection and even gum disease.

Cavities can be treated a few different ways

When cavities are small, the dentist will be able to repair the damage by giving you a filling. If the cavity gets too big to be repaired with a simple filing, then it may require you to get a crown. If it's even too severe for a crown, then you may need to have the tooth extracted. If an extraction is necessary then you'll be looking at having the tooth replaced by either getting a dental implant, a bridge or a partial denture.

Cavities can cause your smile to look as if it were pitted with holes. Acting quickly to get fillings can help stop this If you have cavities that show when you smile, the dentist will give you a filling that matches the color of your teeth, so it will look as if there was never a problem.