treatment
Teeth lack the ability to self-renew, which emphasizes the need to consult a dentist to treat cavities. Treatments vary depending on the type and stage of caries.

Filling is commonly used, which involves removing decayed tissue and filling the cavity. Advanced treatments may include placing artificial crowns to share a wider surface area.

Deep caries may require stimulating the tooth, cleaning the pulp chamber, and filling it with tartar, followed by reconstruction as needed. Tooth extraction is a last resort for teeth that are irreversibly compromised.

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Simple preventative measures include regular tooth brushing, use of mouthwash and dental floss, dental check-ups every 6 to 12 months, and, for individuals at risk for cavities, the use of dental sealants.

Limiting food that easily gets stuck between teeth and moderating consumption of sugary foods and drinks is also crucial.

Types of cavities
Caries are classified into acute, chronic, or recurrent types based on development timelines. Other categories include:

Dry or stalled caries: Progress stops at the surface layer of enamel, causing asymptomatic cosmetic damage.

Crown caries: affects the visible crown, and can usually be detected in the intermediate stages.

Cervical caries: affects the area of the neck near the gums, and is often associated with poor oral hygiene.

Cementum caries or senile caries: affects the root of the tooth, is more common in the elderly, and leads to irreversible damage.

Interdental caries: insidious, affects the interstitial enamel, is difficult to detect and often requires activation.

Central caries: originates within the tooth and leads to gradual structural collapse.

Childhood tooth decay: Common in childhood due to improper nutrition and oral care, it requires treatment although the affected teeth will eventually fall out.