Many individuals assume tooth decay and cavities are the identical issues. Effectively, the 2 situations are associated as cavities are a results of tooth decay. However they aren’t the identical factor, so we shouldn’t use the phrases interchangeably. So what precisely is tooth decay and what’s a cavity? How are you going to acknowledge, forestall, and deal with the situations? Hold studying to study extra about tooth decay vs cavity.

What’s Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is the progressive corrosion of the layers of a tooth. It happens when dangerous micro organism within the mouth produce corrosive acids whereas digesting . The acids, meals particles, and micro organism mix to kind a biofilm coating on the tooth referred to as plaque. In case you have ever felt a fuzzy sensation while you run your tongue over your tooth, then you already know what plaque seems like.

Every day brushing and flossing simply do away with the plaque that varieties every day in our mouths. However in case you have poor oral hygiene, the plaque will kind right into a hard-to-remove substance referred to as tartar. Moreover, the acids within the plaque will begin corroding the enamel of our tooth. That is the early stage of tooth decay. In case your oral hygiene doesn’t enhance the tooth decay will transcend the enamel layer to the dentin and at last the pulp layer. Finally, untreated tooth decay could trigger tooth loss.

What’s Cavity?

A cavity is a gap within the tooth that happens due to untreated tooth decay. When our tooth are involved with plaque acids for too lengthy, the enamel loses a few of its minerals. White flecks seem on the tooth rather than the misplaced minerals. That is the primary signal of tooth decay. At this level, you’ll be able to reverse the issue by enhancing your oral hygiene. Moreover, you’ll be able to remineralize the tooth by brushing with , utilizing a, or consuming faucet water.

In case your tooth decay goes unchecked after the primary warning signal, the plaque acids proceed to erode your enamel. Finally, holes or openings will develop on the floor of the tooth. These are cavities. So, we will say {that a} cavity is a symptom of the second stage of tooth decay.

Prevention and Therapy of Tooth Decay vs Cavity

You may forestall each tooth decay and cavities by brushing and flossing your tooth every day and avoiding sugary and starchy meals and drinks. Brushing your tooth after each meal or a minimum of each morning and night eliminates plaque. However brushing alone shouldn’t be sufficient. Some meals get caught between and on the corners of our tooth so we should floss as soon as a day to do away with them. Flossing within the night after your final meal and earlier than brushing your tooth eliminates probably the most quantity of plaque.

These which are liable to plaque and cavities are additionally higher off avoiding sugary meals and drinks in addition to starchy meals. Doing so retains tooth decay and cavities at bay however may forestall different sicknesses like diabetes, coronary heart illness, and most cancers. One other good option to forestall cavities, particularly on the molars and premolars is to get dental sealants.

In the event you do get a cavity, the most suitable choice is to go to a dentist as quickly as potential. Dentists have completely different remedy choices that they might observe relying on the severity of the cavity. They will reverse a cavity if it’s in its early phases by way of fluoride therapies. Totally developed cavities are handled with dental fillings, crowns, and root canals.

In case cavities aren’t handled tooth decay can progress to painful infections and tooth abscesses. In these later phases, the one remedy choice left could also be tooth extraction.

Last Phrase on Tooth Decay vs Cavity

Tooth decay is the progressive destruction of a tooth, layer by layer, from the enamel to the pulp. Cavities are one of many certain signs of tooth decay. You may forestall tooth decay and cavities by following a correct oral hygiene routine and avoiding sugary and starchy meals.

Brushing your tooth with a and utilizing a may your tooth. This reduces your possibilities of getting cavities. It’s also necessary to go to your dentist a few times a yr for checkups and routine cleansing. The dentist will be capable of acknowledge and reverse early indicators of tooth decay.