What are cavities?
Dental cavities or caries are small openings or holes in the hard surface of your teeth. Teeth cavities that go untreated can cause toothaches, infection, and tooth extraction. Cavities, also known as tooth decay, are caused by several reasons, including germs in the mouth, frequent snacking, drinking sugary beverages, and not brushing your teeth thoroughly. Cavities and dental decay are two of the most common oral health issues worldwide. Cavities that aren’t addressed become larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth if they aren’t treated.
Tooth decay can be avoided with proper dental care, which includes brushing, flossing, and frequent dental examinations.
What causes cavities in the mouth?
Dental cavities are caused by bacteria on the teeth’ surface producing acid from sugar. The bacterium Streptococcus Mutans that naturally forms in the mouth, is the most prevalent cause of infection. This bacteria forms Plaque that is a sticky film. The acids in plaque deplete minerals in your enamel, which is a calcium and phosphate-based layer on your teeth. The enamel is eroded, resulting in small holes. A cavity arises when acid damage penetrates the dentin layer beneath the enamel.
Who is at risk of developing a cavity?
Cavities can affect people of any age, but they are more common in children because they might not be able to clean their teeth properly. Also, children eat and drink more sugary foods and beverages than adults do.
In adults, new decay can form around the borders of cavities that were treated as a child. Gum recession is also more common in adults. Cavity-causing plaque is exposed to the bottom regions of the teeth in this scenario.
What are the symptoms of a cavity?
It is important to be able to recognize the signs of tooth decay if you want to keep your oral health in check. In most cases, tooth decay on the outer enamel surface causes no discomfort or symptoms. As decay develops into the dentin and root, you’re more likely to notice symptoms. Cavities can be identified by the following symptoms:
- A foul taste in the mouth or bad breath.
- Gum disease symptoms such as bleeding gums or other signs of gum disease.
- Swelling of the face.
- It could be a toothache or a mouth ache.
- Intolerance to hot or cold foods or beverages.
- Redness in the mouth or around it.

What are the threats that dental caries can incur?
Cavities and dental decay are so frequent that you may not take them seriously. You might also believe that cavities in children’s infant teeth are unimportant. Cavities and dental decay, on the other hand, can have catastrophic and long-term consequences, even in children who do not yet have permanent teeth.
Complications cavities can pose to oral health:
- Pain in your teeth.
- Swelling or pus around your teeth.
- Damaged or broken teeth.
- Problems with chewing.
- After tooth loss, teeth shift in position.
Complications cavities can pose to overall health:
- Pain that makes it difficult to function daily.
- Weight loss or nutritional issues as a result of painful or difficult chewing or eating.
- Tooth loss can have an impact on your appearance, as well as your self-esteem and confidence.
- A tooth abscess, which is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection that can develop into more serious or even life-threatening illnesses, although rare but cannot be ignored.
How to prevent tooth cavities and retain oral health?
Plaque and acids that cause cavities can be removed with proper dental hygiene, which includes brushing and flossing regularly. Taking care of your teeth and gums entails:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day.
- Reducing your intake of sugary, starchy foods and beverages.
- Flossing every day to remove food and plaque lodged between teeth.
- Clean your tongue.
- Use mouthwash to clean your entire mouth.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Consult your doctor to have your teeth checked at least twice a year.
- Use products that can help improve your oral health.
For the last one, you can check out the products by Purexa that are customized to target specific solutions. You can buy,
- Bamboo charcoal toothbrushes are both soft-bristled and eco-friendly.
- Probiotic toothpaste filled with the goodness of probiotics. This is India’s first very own probiotic toothpaste.
- Sensitive toothpaste filled with herbs and can efficiently treat teeth sensitivity.
- Peroxide mouthrinse for dental pre-procedural rinse.
- Antioxidant mouthrinse for “oxidative stress”.
- Healthy gum toothpaste to reduce gum bleeding and keep gums healthy.
- Advanced ulcer gel for mouth ulcers.
- Herbal gum astringent can be used for gingivitis.
Purexa is a brand dedicated to giving the highest quality products to the Indian community while also raising awareness of the prevalent dental disorders. India is still a developing country, and most of us in rural regions are unaware of the health consequences of ignoring dental and oral concerns. Purexa’s goal is to raise awareness among the general public so that India can progress toward a healthy future.
Join your hands with Purexa in this mission to make India a nation free of dental problems.