Cavities​

Cavities (tooth decay) are one the world’s most common health problems. Although anyone can get a cavity, they are especially common in children, teenagers and young adults.

Cavities refers to damage to the structure of a tooth/teeth resulting in formation of holes in your tooth/teeth.

The most common cause of tooth decay is due to the build-up of bacteria and plaque, which can be an indication of a lack in good oral hygiene. Foods containing carbohydrates, such as sugar and starches, will cause a build-up of bacteria and plaque (which contains acid) in the mouth if not cleaned properly, which can cause the enamel in your teeth to dissolve.

If cavities are left untreated for too long, they will get worse and larger and will start to affect the deeper layers of your teeth (dentin layer). Thus, you must give importance to good dental habits (e.g. brushing and flossing), and it is recommended to pay regular visits to your dentist in order to avoid the risk of cavities or another dental problem. The faculty at the T​eeth and Skin​ services at The Aga Khan University Hospital is e​xperienced ​in managing all dental problems including cavities.

When to seek expert advise

As it may not always be obvious that you are experiencing tooth decay, it is not uncommon for a cavity to go unnoticed until the symptoms become more serious. This is why it is advised that you should pay regular visits to the dentist for general check-ups, as they might be able to discover a cavity during a check-up before it gets more serious.

However, as the decay becomes more serious and the symptoms become more obvious, it is essential to visit your doctor in order to prevent extensive damage. The sooner you see the doctor about a problem, the better your chances of preventing the progression of tooth decay in its early stages. 

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