Types of Caries

It’s the most dreaded part of returning to the dentist – a cavity. When the dentist informs you of having decay on a certain tooth, it may be interesting to know that there are many different types of cavities that can occur.

For starters, cavities in dental terminology are referred to as “caries”. The following are the three basic types of caries that relate to the surface of the teeth:

SMOOTH

The outer smooth surfaces of the teeth are susceptible to caries when food particles are present for extended periods of time. However, smooth surfaces are easier to clean and prevent cavities from forming. When one develops a cavity on a smooth surface, it is typically a much slower process of decaying than other forms of caries development.

PIT AND FISSURE

Ever notice those weird grooves on the surfaces of the molars in the back of your mouth? Well, those river-like indents are known as fissures. These fissures reach a common deep indent usually near the middle of the surface, and this hole-like appearance is referred to as a pit. As one can imagine, these areas are tight spaces and allow for the trapping of susceptible foods. As a result, decay is very common on these pit and fissure surfaces.

ROOT

If a person has receding gum lines or a cavity on the gum line of the tooth, he or she may suffer from a great deal of pain. The root is such a sensitive area of the tooth, and improper care of the gums is to blame for this type of caries.

Knowing where and what type of cavity you have is useful in assessing your brushing and/or eating habits. For example, if you have a lot of deep fissures on your teeth, it would be wise to maintain oral health in these particular grooves. It may seem strange to educate yourself on the type of caries a dentist sees, but it can be especially helpful to help improve your smile and fear of returning to the dentist!