All About Cavities: What They Are, Why They Happen, and How to Stop Them

Let’s be honest—no one likes hearing the word “cavity” during a dental visit. But cavities are more common than you might think, and the good news is: they’re also totally preventable.

At Opal Dentistry, we believe that understanding what causes cavities is the first step to keeping your smile strong, healthy, and pain-free. So let’s break it down.

What Exactly Is a Cavity?

A cavity is a small hole that forms in your tooth when the outer layer (called enamel) gets worn away by acids. These acids are created by bacteria in your mouth that feed on sugars and starches left behind from the foods you eat.

If left untreated, a small cavity can grow bigger, deeper, and more painful—eventually affecting the inner layers of your tooth and even leading to infections.

What Causes Cavities?

Here are the usual suspects:

Plaque Buildup
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. When not removed through brushing and flossing, it creates acid that eats away at your enamel.

Sugary & Starchy Foods
The bacteria in your mouth love sugar. Sweets, sodas, white bread, chips—they all feed bacteria and speed up the decay process.

Poor Oral Hygiene
Brushing less than twice a day or skipping flossing allows plaque to stick around longer than it should.

Skipping Dental Visits
Cavities often start small and painless. Regular checkups help catch them early—before they turn into something more serious.

Common Signs You May Have a Cavity

  • Toothache or spontaneous pain

  • Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods

  • Visible holes or pits in your teeth

  • Brown, black, or white spots on the surface

  • Pain when biting down

If you’re experiencing any of these, don’t wait. The earlier we catch a cavity, the easier—and cheaper—it is to treat.

How Cavities Are Treated

At Opal Dentistry, we make cavity treatment quick, comfortable, and effective. Here’s how we typically treat them:

  1. Fillings – The decayed part of the tooth is removed and replaced with a tooth-colored filling.

  2. Crowns – For larger cavities, a crown may be placed over the tooth for extra strength.

  3. Root Canals – If the decay reaches the nerve of the tooth, we may need to perform a root canal to save it.

  4. Prevention – Our favorite treatment? The kind you never need. That’s where good habits come in.

How to Prevent Cavities (The Easy Way)

🪥 Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
🧵 Floss daily—yes, really
🚫 Cut back on sugary snacks and drinks
💧 Drink more water, especially after meals
🦷 Visit your dentist every 6 months for a check-up and cleaning

Bonus: Ask us about fluoride treatments and dental sealants—great options for kids and adults!

Let’s Keep Cavities Out of Your Story

Cavities are common—but they don’t have to be part of your smile journey. At Opal Dentistry, we’re here to help you prevent them, spot them early, and treat them with care if they do show up.

Feel a twinge of pain or overdue for a checkup?
Book your appointment today and let’s keep your smile healthy, bright, and cavity-free.