To avoid further damage to teeth, it is advisable that individuals meet their dentists as soon as they come across symptoms of tooth decay. These symptoms are as follows:

*Teeth becoming sensitive: Tooth decay exposes the underlying nerve system in our teeth. With no outer protection of any sort, these nerves respond rapidly to changes in temperature. An individual with sensitive teeth, then, feels a sharp pain whenever he/she eats or drinks something cold or hot.

Tooth sensitivity is also exhibited whenever the individual eats something too sweet. Depending upon the extent of tooth decay the pain either subsides in a few minutes or may remain for some period of time.

*Foul smell coming from mouth: The bacteria which causes decay of tooth enamel is also responsible to produce a foul smell inside our mouth. This smell emanates from the mixture of acids produced by the bacteria and the fleshy deposit called plaque that develops between the teeth and between teeth and gums.

*Cavities: Cavities (also called caries) is the most obvious sign of tooth decay. There comes a time when the bacteria are finished with destroying the enamel. The acid they produce then gets down to work upon the soft bone lying underneath. The reaction produced eats away the bone and also forces it to change its color from white to black. Eating away of the bone gets manifested in the form of a depression placed in the middle of the teeth (in the case of molars) or in the form of eating away at the sides (in front incisive and canine teeth).

How to Treat Tooth Decay?
Treating tooth decay is a two-pronged method. In the first step the decay itself is treated. It is then followed by treating the underlying cause- the accumulation of plaque.

*Treating the decay: Tooth decay can be treated with the help of specially formulated amalgamations (which can be either a mercury-based one or a composite resin-based one). This process is also commonly known as tooth filling. This process protects the remaining portion of teeth from getting damaged any further.

*Treating plaque: The only way to treat plaque is by removing it. Especially designed orthodontic equipment is used to dislocate it from in between the teeth. This is then followed by a correction in eating habits, integrated primarily for the purpose of stopping further accumulation of plaque in between the teeth.

Primary cause of cavity
Cavities are usually caused by acids produced by the bacteria in the mouth. A significant plaque build up on your teeth may eventually wear away the protective enamel thus resulting in to a cavity. If you’re not regular with your visits to the dentist, the acids present in your mouth could very well penetrate to the teeth interiors and accelerate tooth decay. Tooth aches are the most commonly experienced symptoms of a cavity once the acids have reached far inside the tooth enough to irritate the nerve endings there.

What are dental cavities?
Dental cavities are holes on the teeth which damage their entire structure. The condition is also referred to as caries, tooth decay or cavities. However, it’s a universal condition and second only to common cold. Cavities usually occur in children or young adult; however, it is not limited to any particular age. It is the most common reason for tooth loss in youngsters.

How the bacteria contribute to cavities

* Bacteria convert all the food eaten, specifically sugar and starch into acids. Together with plaque, acids, saliva and food debris, the bacteria form a sticky substance known as plaque which clings to the teeth and damages them. The substance is particularly prominent on the chewing grooves of the back molars and also above the gum line as well as the filling edges. Plaque that has not been removed transforms into tartar or calculus and together with plaque, irritates the gums causing dental conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

* The acids produced by the bacteria further weaken the tooth surface enamel and create holes on it. The cavity is usually painless in the beginning and only begins to irritate the mouth once it has increased in size considerably within the teeth interiors. This may result in the death of the nerves as well as the blood vessels present there. Left untreated, it may eventually lead to a tooth abscess development.

* Plaque and bacteria typically accumulate within a time period of twenty minutes after eating. Without adequate treatment, cavities may not only form but also, internal structures of the tooth may be damaged beyond repair leading to eventual tooth loss.

* Dietary sugars and starches may further contribute to cavity formation and tooth decay. Sticky foods are particularly harmful to the teeth as they tend to stick to the surface. Also, frequent snacking bouts can increase the time the acids are in contact with the surface of the tooth, thus accelerating the cavity formation.

Given the above causes, one should remember to follow a comprehensive dental hygiene routine and also be more regular with visits to the dentist to prevent a cavity from forming.