Cervical Decays: Causes and treatment
Caries are the most common dental disease. It begins as a small dark spot on the enamel develops quickly and can lead to serious complications if not treated early.
There is a special kind of tooth decay – cervical tooth decay – that is difficult to detect at an early stage. This article explains why it occurs and how to remove it.
What is cervical tooth decay?
It’s a cavity that many people don’t even notice. It is formed in the root part of the tooth, closer to the gum line. The enamel in the cervical area is very thin, and if it is not treated in time, it can cause extreme discomfort if you eat acidic or cold foods.
The cervical area is also quite vulnerable – apart from caries, non-carious lesions like erosions or veneers may also occur. These are often mistaken for caries because the symptoms are very similar. If you experience any discomfort, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Why cervical tooth decay occurs?
Incorrect hygiene
It is important to brush your teeth in the morning and evening. However, it is important to perform dental hygiene correctly – brush from the gum to the incisal edge. This will reduce plaque accumulation in the cervical area.
We recommend having professional oral hygiene treatment twice a year. Only a dental hygienist can eliminate plaque and strengthen the enamel with beneficial elements. Your teeth will be stronger, smoother and brighter after the treatment. The risk of tooth decay will be reduced by several times.
Recession (drooping) of the gums
This problem is mostly seen in the elderly. The gum loses its elasticity and recedes. The neck of the tooth becomes exposed and susceptible to external influences – the risk of cervical caries increases with poor hygiene and reduced saliva flow.
Unhealthy habits
Excessive smoking and excessive consumption of alcoholic and carbonated drinks and sweets are factors that lead to cervical caries.
Body condition
Stress, depression, hormonal changes, and gastrointestinal disorders also lead to tooth sensitivity, cavities and cervical caries.
The forms and symptoms of cervical caries
Initial caries (stain stage).
White spots and roughness appear on the enamel.
Superficial decay.
You will feel uncomfortable when eating, and the enamel will be rough and discoloured.
Moderate decay.
You are bothered by brushing and chewing or have reactions to cold, hot, sweet and sour foods. Discolouration can be seen at the base of the tooth.
Deep decay.
An infection has penetrated deep into the tooth, you can feel intense pain when food hits the affected area. Chipping and a deep, dark cavity appear.
Treatment of cervical caries
Treatment of caries cervical depends on its shape. Early decay can easily be treated without the use of a drilling machine. Instead, the ICON technique is used. A special solution is applied to the enamel, which penetrates the enamel and fills the damaged area. Caries are also treated utilizing remineralization. The tooth is treated with a product that saturates the enamel with fluoride and calcium.
Treatment of superficial, medium and deep dental caries requires preparation of the tooth. Anaesthesia is applied first and the affected area is insulated from moisture by a latex rubber dam. The doctor then gently pushes back the gingiva to access the root zone. The dentist then removes the decayed tissue and restores the shape of the tooth with a filling material.
Preventing cervical caries
There are a few things you can do to prevent caries:
- Get a good quality toothbrush and toothpaste
- Brush your teeth properly, floss twice a day, and use a dental rinse
- Eat a normal diet: eat more fruit, and vegetables and cut back on sweets.
- Rinse after each meal.
- Cut back on bad habits, especially smoking
- Visit your dental hygienist and dentist every six months.
Any questions? Ask us.
These simple rules can help prevent cervical caries. But if you already have one, don’t hesitate to ask an experienced dental professional for help.
