What is a cavity?
A cavity is a hole in the tooth, and it occurs when our teeth are frequently exposed to foods containing sugars, such as cakes, milk and even fruits and juices. Tooth decay is heavily influenced by our lifestyles and what we eat. Your mouth contains natural bacteria and this is where plaque is formed. The plaque that forms on the teeth interacts with the sugary, starchy foods which are deposited on the teeth from other foods and drinks, this produces acids. These acids damage tooth enamel over time by dissolving or demineralising the mineral structure of teeth producing tooth decay and weakening the teeth. When enough of the sub-surface enamel is eaten away, the surface collapses, forming a cavity. While cavities are generally more common among children, adults are also at risk.

How do I know if I have a cavity?
You can only be sure that you have a cavity if your dentist tells you that you have one, because cavities develop below the tooth's surface, where you can't see them.

The types of cavities include:

	Coronal cavities - the most common type occurring in both children and adults, coronal cavities usually are located on chewing surfaces or between the teeth
	Root cavities - as we age, gums can recede, leaving parts of the tooth root exposed. Since there is no enamel covering tooth roots, these exposed areas easily decay.
	Recurrent decay - decay can form around existing fillings and crowns. This is because these areas may have a tendency to accumulate plaque, which can ultimately lead to decay.

How can cavities be prevented?
The saliva that is formed in your mouth may counteract the decay that is formed on the teeth. Many dentists recommend chewing sugar-less gum to stimulate your flow of saliva. However saliva alone is not strong enough to stop tooth decay. Brushing twice a day is also recommended, and flossing from between teeth and the gum line. Fluoride is recommended as it is a natural substance and is used to re-mineralise the teeth structure. Fluoride helps to avoid cavities and clean teeth. Dental check ups help dentists to spot a cavity before it gets too serious. Also a well balanced diet also helps as it limits sugary or starchy foods.

To treat a cavity, your dentist will need to insert a filling into the decayed tooth. For more information about fillings, click here to view our treatments section.