A dental cavity is a dental cavity, right? Wrong! There are different types of cavities that develop on various parts of your teeth. Here are the three main types of teeth cavities, and a few things you should know about them:

Root Cavity

Also known as root caries, this type of cavity attacks the surface of the roots of your teeth. It is one of the most dangerous forms of dental cavities because:

• It spreads very fast
• It can spread to the nerves inside the teeth and cause an infection
• It is difficult to treat
• It's difficult to detect with the naked eye
• A large cavity can lead to tooth breakage
• It may be painless in its early stages

All these are possible because your tooth's root lacks the protective enamel, which means it is easier to damage than its other parts.

You are more likely to get root cavities if you are old and have recessed gums. One of the telltale signs to look out for is tooth discoloration at the gum line. If you suspect a root cavity, consult your dentist for an X-ray diagnosis.

Pit and Fissure Decay

This type of cavity affects the depressions on the chewing surfaces of your teeth. It mostly affects the back teeth since they are the ones with flat that have pits and cracks. Pit and fissure decay is caused by food remains on the teeth fissures, remains that toothbrush bristles do not easily reach.

Treatment options for this form of decay include:

• Use of dental sealants
• Topical fluoride application
• Tooth filling
• Prophylactic odontotomy – widening the fissures and pits so that they don't trap much debris, and they can be easily cleaned.

Smooth Surface Decay  

The last form of dental decay, which affects the flat surfaces of your teeth, occurs when you allow bacteria and plaque to accumulate on these places. It is not as serious as the first two kinds of cavities, but it can spread to other parts of your teeth if you don't treat it promptly. You should be able to prevent it easily by maintaining a good oral hygiene.

Some of these forms of cavities are more dangerous than others, but this doesn't mean that you should ignore them. All cavities can lead to teeth loss if not treated. Therefore, apart from brushing and flossing daily, you should follow your dentist's treatment plan carefully should you be diagnosed with dental decay. For more information, contact Sun Dental & Orthodontics or a similar company.