Early cavity is the first stage of tooth decay. It starts with a small, white or yellow patch on the tooth. These lesions damage the chewing surface of the tooth. Read this article to learn how we treat caries at our dental clinic in Turkey!
Signs and symptoms of initial caries
The first signs of cavities are often subtle and easy to miss. This is because there is no pain or major damage, but it’s important to catch a cavity early to stop it getting worse. The main signs and symptoms of a cavity include:
White or chalky spots on the tooth enamel
These spots are the most common sign of early caries and are caused by the loss of minerals in the tooth enamel. The enamel becomes porous in these areas and therefore appears whitish or chalky.
Slightly yellowish or brownish discoloration
In some cases, the affected areas may discolor slightly. A yellowish, brown or black color indicates that demineralization is progressing.
Rough or uneven tooth surface
The demineralized areas may feel rough or uneven, especially as the caries penetrates deeper into the tooth enamel. Healthy tooth enamel has a natural shine and is transparent. With initial caries, the surface often loses this shine and appears duller or opaque.
Increased sensitivity
Initial caries usually does not cause increased sensitivity or sharp pain. However, some patients may notice increased sensitivity to sweet, cold or hot foods. However, this sensitivity is usually mild and rarely occurs with initial caries.
Accumulation of plaque in affected areas
Dental cavity often develops in areas that are more difficult to clean. These areas include between teeth or the gum line. Dental plaque can easily build up here and increase susceptibility to caries.
Prevention of early dental caries
Caries can be prevented with a few simple but effective measures:
- Regular oral hygiene: Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day and floss once a day to remove plaque.
- Fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to acid attacks.
- Low-sugar and low-acid diet: Low-sugar eating and drinking reduce the nutrient supply for caries-causing bacteria.
- Regular visits to the dentist: Routine examinations and professional dental checkups help to prevent cavities and treat caries early.
- Drink enough water: Water keeps the mouth moist and promotes saliva production, which neutralizes the acids in the mouth.
Causes of initial caries
1) Dietary habits
Sugar in foods and drinks helps bacteria in the mouth cause tooth decay, especially Lactobacillus. The bacteria make acid when they metabolise sugar. The acid attacks the tooth enamel and dissolves minerals. This is called demineralisation and is the first step in getting caries.
2) Inadequate oral hygiene
Without thorough dental care, plaque remains on the tooth surface. This means that if you forget to brush and floss your teeth every day, plaque can build up. This is a sticky layer containing bacteria that promotes the production of acid and mineral loss from the tooth. If you do not remove plaque regularly, it becomes tartar.
3) Dry mouth
4) Genetic factors and dental anatomy
5) Frequent habits that damage teeth
6) Hormonal changes and risk groups
7) Lack of dental check-ups
Differences between initial caries and advanced caries
Characteristic | Early cavity | Advances caries |
|---|---|---|
Appearance | White or chalky spots on the enamel | Dark discoloration, visible cavities |
Depth of damage | Limited to the outer enamel layer | Penetrates deeper into the dentin and partially into the pulp |
Pain | Usually painless | Often painful, especially with sweet, hot or cold foods |
Treatment | Non-invasive, e.g. through fluoridation or the Icon method | Invasive treatment necessary, usually filling or root canal treatment |
Detection | Often only visible through dental examination and diagnostic tools | Visible to the naked eye or clearly noticeable through toothache |
Cost | Lower costs in Turkey, as no complex interventions are necessary | Higher costs, as fillings, crowns or root treatments are usually necessary |
Treatment of initial caries at Cosmedica Dental
1. Professional teeth cleaning
2. Fluoride treatment
3. Infiltration treatment
4. Laser treatment
5. Nutritional advice and oral hygiene training
Why choose Cosmedica Dental for the treatment of initial caries?
The Cosmedica Dental dental clinic in Turkey has built an excellent international reputation. Here are some reasons why patients from all over the world choose to be treated at this clinic:
- State-of-the-art technology: The clinic is equipped with the latest equipment. This enables precise diagnostics and minimally invasive treatment.
- Experienced dentists: The Cosmedica Dental team consists only of specialized dentists. They all have in-depth knowledge and years of experience in the treatment of initial caries.
- Individual care: Patients receive comprehensive advice and aftercare tailored to their specific needs.
- Affordable prices: Treatment costs in Turkey are significantly cheaper than in many other countries.