How Cavities Develop and What Causes Them
Cavities, also known as dental caries, develop gradually from the outer layer of the tooth (enamel) into the innermost layer (pulp). It often begins when food particles—especially sugary or starchy foods—stick to the tooth surface. Bacteria in the mouth then ferment these particles into acid.
This acid erodes the enamel by depleting essential minerals like calcium and phosphate. Without proper cleaning, the damage progresses into dentin, a softer layer that allows bacteria to spread faster. Once the infection reaches the pulp, where nerves and blood vessels are located, the result is a severe toothache from cavity that can be very disruptive.
Several factors accelerate this process. A high consumption of sweet foods and drinks, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth (low saliva production), lack of fluoride in toothpaste, and frequent snacking are among the most common causes of cavities. If these habits are not addressed, the risk of developing larger cavities increases significantly.
5 Early Signs of a Cavity You Shouldn’t Ignore
Sensitivity to sweets, hot, or cold foods
White, brown, or black spots on the tooth surface
Mild pain while chewing
Small holes beginning to appear
Bad breath or persistent discomfort
When you notice these early signs of a cavity, it’s best to consult your dentist promptly before the damage worsens.
How to Treat Cavities at Home (Temporary Relief)
As first aid, several steps may help reduce discomfort:
Rinse with warm salt water
Apply a cold compress on the cheek to reduce swelling
Take over-the-counter pain relievers
Avoid overly sweet, hot, or cold foods
However, these measures only provide temporary relief. Professional dental care is still required to ensure that a toothache from cavity does not return.
Medical Treatments for Cavities
The right treatment depends on the severity of the cavity.
Stage of Damage | Type of Treatment | Explanation |
Early stage | Fluoride treatment | Helps remineralize weakened enamel |
Small to medium cavities | Dental filling | Closes the hole to prevent bacteria from spreading |
Extensive damage | Dental crown | Protects remaining tooth structure with an artificial crown |
Infection reaching the pulp | Root canal treatment | Removes infected nerve tissue while preserving the tooth |
Tooth beyond saving | Tooth extraction | Last resort if the damage is severe or infection spreads to the jawbone |
With the right treatment, pain can be managed, tooth function preserved, and a healthy smile maintained.
Prevention Tips to Avoid Cavities
Caring for your teeth is always easier than treating them. Some preventive steps include: brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly, reducing sugary food and drink intake, and visiting your dentist every 6 months.
Conclusion
Cavities are not just an aesthetic problem but a serious dental condition that can affect quality of life. Recognizing the early signs, understanding what causes cavities, and learning how to treat cavities properly are essential steps to prevent relapse.
If a toothache from cavity is already interfering with your daily routine, don’t delay treatment. Early intervention can save your tooth and prevent further complications.
References:
Rathee M, Sapra A. Dental Caries. [Updated 2023 Jun 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551699/
Jin J. Dental Caries in Adults, Adolescents, and Children. JAMA. 2023;330(17):1703. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.21984 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2811432#249334300
Spatafora, G., Li, Y., He, X., Cowan, A., & Tanner, A. C. R. (2024). The Evolving Microbiome of Dental Caries. Microorganisms, 12(1), 121. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12010121
