Dental cavities

Dental Cavities

Dental cavities, also known as Tooth Decay or Caries (pronounced: /ˈkeɪriːz/), are areas of the tooth that have been damaged due to the decay process. The term "cavity" refers to the hole that is left after the tooth has been damaged.

Etymology

The term "cavity" comes from the Latin word "cavus," which means "hole" or "hollow." The term "caries" is also derived from Latin and means "rot" or "decay."

Causes

Dental cavities are caused by Bacteria in the mouth that convert sugars from food into acids. These acids can erode the Tooth Enamel, leading to cavities. Factors that can increase the risk of developing cavities include poor oral hygiene, frequent snacking on sugary foods or drinks, and not getting enough Fluoride.

Symptoms

Symptoms of dental cavities can include toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, visible holes or pits in the teeth, and pain when biting down.

Treatment

Treatment for dental cavities typically involves removing the decayed tooth material and filling the cavity with a filling material. In more severe cases, a Root Canal or Tooth Extraction may be necessary.

Prevention

Prevention of dental cavities involves regular brushing and flossing, limiting sugary foods and drinks, and regular dental check-ups. Using toothpaste that contains fluoride can also help to prevent cavities.

Related Terms

• Dental Plaque
• Gingivitis
• Periodontitis
• Dental Abscess

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Dental cavities
• Wikipedia's article - Dental cavities

This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.

---

Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski