Understanding Cavities and Dental Decay | Oral Health

Cavities, also known as dental caries, are decayed areas of teeth caused by bacterial activity and poor oral hygiene.

Cavities FAQ

What is a cavity in a tooth?

A cavity is a hole in a tooth that develops from tooth decay. Cavities form when acids in your mouth wear down (erode) your tooth’s hard outer layer ( enamel ). Anyone can get a cavity. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings can prevent cavities. Another name for tooth cavities is dental caries. Cavities can start on any tooth surface.

What is a cavity & what causes it?

Cavities are areas in the hard surface of your teeth that are damaged. These areas of tooth decay become tiny openings or holes that can lead to a serious toothache, infection and tooth loss. There are several causes of cavities, including bacteria in your mouth, snacking a lot, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well.

What is a cavity & how is it treated?

Cavities are holes, or areas of tooth decay, that form in your teeth surfaces. Causes include plaque buildup, eating lots of sugary snacks and poor oral hygiene. Treatments include dental fillings, root canal therapy and tooth extraction. The sooner you treat a cavity, the better your chance for a predictable outcome and optimal oral health.

How many types of cavities are there in a tooth?

The illustration on the left shows a tooth with no cavities. The illustration on the right shows a tooth with the three types of cavities. Smooth surface decay, the most preventable and reversible type, grows the slowest. In smooth surface decay, a cavity begins as a white spot where bacteria dissolve the calcium of the enamel.

What causes cavities & tooth loss?

These areas of tooth decay become tiny openings or holes that can lead to a serious toothache, infection and tooth loss. There are several causes of cavities, including bacteria in your mouth, snacking a lot, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well. Cavities and tooth decay are among the world's most common health problems.

Can you get cavities if you have teeth?

Anyone who has teeth can get cavities, but these factors raise the risk: Tooth location. Decay most often occurs in your back teeth — your molars and premolars. These teeth have lots of grooves, pits and crannies, and multiple roots that can collect food particles.