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Cavities

A cavity is a hole that forms on the surface of a tooth as a result of tooth decay. It happens when bacteria in your mouth eat sugars from the food you eat to create an acid that melts the outer layer of your teeth, called enamel.

Cavities are more common in children, where they are usually found in pits and fissures on top of the teeth or between teeth, an area that is hard to clean. Adults can get them too but, in adults, cavities tend to develop as recurrent cavities around existing fillings or on the roots of teeth that become exposed as we age.

During a dental exam, your dentist will check your teeth and fillings and look for signs of decay, such as brown or black spots. They may take X-rays to get a better view of hard-to-see areas. If you have a cavity that is small and seems not to progress rapidly, your dentist may choose to monitor it. If it is bigger or shows signs of progression, the proper treatment is to have it filled right away. If a large cavity is not filled, it can get bigger and cause pain, infection or tooth loss.

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Understanding cavity treatment options

From small cavities requiring simple fillings to more extensive decay needing root canals or crowns, learn about the different treatment approaches your dentist may recommend based on cavity severity.
Learn about treatment options

Learn more about other oral health conditions

Explore more essential topics to deepen your understanding of oral health and take proactive steps toward maintaining a healthy smile.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to some of the most common questions about oral health, dental treatments, and more.

How can I prevent gum disease?

Prevention is the most important factor in the fight against gum disease. It is essential to keep your teeth and gums clean. Brush your teeth properly at least twice a day and floss at least once every 24 hours.

Using proper brushing and flossing techniques is equally important. Be sure to see your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and dental exams, so that he or she can detect any early signs of gum disease, and provide appropriate treatment.

Are there any health risks with water fluoridation?

Apart from dental fluorosis, scientific studies have found no credible evidence linking water fluoridation to health risks.

How does fluoride prevent tooth decay?
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. It can also reverse early signs of tooth decay.
I want to find a new dentist. How can I find one, and how can I get my records transferred?

The first step in choosing a new dentist is to list your needs, which might include:

  • Location
  • Hours of practice
  • Language(s) spoken
  • Generalist or specialist practice
  • Asking your family and friends if they can recommend a dentist. Other members of your community, such as your doctor, may be able to offer suggestions. Some provincial dental associations have Web sites that allow you to search for a dentist in your area (see "Other Resources" below).

Yellow Pages advertising may also prove helpful. It will list each dentist's location, and may include other details that will help you in your search.

Once you have narrowed your list to two or three names, call the dentists to see if they are accepting new patients. This initial call may also give you some sense of the office environment, but there's nothing like the first visit to help you decide if it's a good match for you.

Do I really have to go to the dentist every six months? Do I need x-rays at each visit?
How often you go for dental exams depends on your oral health needs. The goal is to catch small problems early. For many people, this means a dental exam every six months. Your dentist may suggest that you visit more or less often depending on how well you care for your teeth and gums, problems you have that need to be checked or treated, how fast tartar builds up on your teeth, and so on.

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