Dental cavities form when carbohydrate-rich foods, such as fruit, candy, bread and milk, stick to the surface of the teeth. If not removed properly, bacteria in the mouth digest these food debris and produce acids. These bacteria aggregate to form a sticky film known as plaque, which, if not removed, causes demineralization of tooth enamel. The acid generated by plaque dissolves the enamel, creating cavities. Over time, plaque can mineralize and harden, turning into tartar, which can only be removed through professional cleaning.

First, dental enamel begins to weaken due to acids, manifesting as white spots. At this stage, the damage is still reversible with fluoride treatments that promote remineralization of the enamel.

If the process continues, the white spots may darken and turn into caries, requiring removal of the decayed tissue and subsequent application of a restoration or filling.

If left untreated, caries can reach dentin, the layer beneath the enamel that is more vulnerable to acids. At this stage, you may experience sensitivity to cold, heat or sweets. The tooth can be repaired with a restoration, but if the remaining tooth structure is insufficient, you may need to apply a crown to protect it.

Moving on, bacteria can infiltrate the dental pulp, the deep layer that contains blood vessels and nerves, causing pain and pressure. At this point, root canal therapy is needed to remove the infected pulp, fill the space and protect the tooth with a crown.

Finally, if the infection progresses, an abscess may form under the tooth. In these cases, if root canal therapy is not feasible, it may be necessary to extract the tooth and thoroughly clean the infected area. Early intervention is essential to prevent complications and maintain good oral health.

A myth to be debunked is the one that the absence of pain also indicates the absence of pathology. Cavities give symptoms when they are deep enough to affect the dentin, while they remain completely asymptomatic initially when still superficial. For this reason, it is important to undergo regular examinations during which any problems can be intercepted. It is good to remember that one must take care of one’s teeth even when everything seems fine.

If we see a darker groove on the surface of a tooth, we may suspect that we have a cavity at an early stage, even if it is asymptomatic or simply a pigmentation. The most common symptom related to dental caries is increased sensitivity or pain in the teeth. However, it should be remembered that a carious lesion does not cause pain in its early stages; pain is brought about by the involvement of deeper tissues such as dentin and dental pulp (the nerve) and is characteristic of a caries that is already at an advanced stage.

This is why it is important to undergo periodic checkups and adhere to professional oral hygiene sessions.