Tooth decay or dental cavities can cause pain and discomfort. Various factors involved in dental caries include bacteria, sugary food, saliva's modifying factors, oral hygiene, dietary habits, and fluoride intake, among others.
Dental cavities can manifest in various colors and forms. Sometimes they may be asymptomatic, and a person may not be aware of having one. The earliest sign could be the appearance of a white spot on the tooth's surface, indicating the initiation of microbial activity. Dental cavities are preventable, and early detection and management can stop the progression of the disease.
Practicing good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice daily and dental flossing, can help remove plaque and prevent tooth decay. When dental caries has extended up to the enamel and dentin, the condition is said to be reversible and can be treated by filling. However, when the decay has extends beyond the dentin and encroaches into the pulp, the lesion is considered irreversible pulpitis, and root canal treatment (RCT) becomes the only viable option to save the tooth from extraction.
