Oral Cancer: Warning Signs, Risk Factors, and Early Detection

See text alternative for infographic Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer are among the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer when detected early. Regular screenings, awareness of symptoms, and healthy lifestyle choices can play an important role in early diagnosis and improved outcomes.

Anthony Morlandt, D.D.S., M.D., F.A.C.S., a head and neck surgeon and oral cancer expert with UAB Dentistry, says early detection remains one of the most powerful tools for fighting this disease.

“Most often oral cancer develops in the surface tissue of the mouth and if undetected, it can begin penetrating deeper. That’s what makes early detection so important.” - Anthony Morlandt, D.D.S., M.D., F.A.C.S.

What is oral cancer?

Oral cancer develops in the mouth, while oropharyngeal cancer affects structures farther back in the throat. Oral cancer can occur on the lips, tongue, gums, inner cheeks, and roof of the mouth. Oropharyngeal cancer commonly affects the throat, tonsils, and base of the tongue.

“Most often oral cancer develops in the surface tissue of the mouth and if undetected, it can begin penetrating deeper,” Morlandt said. “That’s what makes early detection so important.”

These cancers can occur in people of all ages, although risk increases with age and an increasing number of younger adults are being diagnosed. Because symptoms can be subtle in the early stages, regular dental and medical examinations play an important role in detection and diagnosis.

Oral cancer risk factors

There is no single cause of oral cancer, but several factors can increase a person's risk.

“There is no single cause for oral and oropharyngeal cancer, but certain factors can put you at increased risk,” Morlandt said.

Common risk factors include tobacco use, including smoking and chewing tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged sun or ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, particularly to the lips, and poor nutrition. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is now recognized as a significant contributor to oropharyngeal cancers, making vaccination an important prevention strategy.

Signs and symptoms of oral cancer

Recognizing symptoms early can improve treatment outcomes. Warning signs may include:

• A sore that does not heal
• Red or white patches in the mouth
• Unusual lumps or thickened tissue
• Bleeding sores
• Difficulty chewing, speaking, or swallowing
• Persistent sore throat
• Hoarseness
• Ear pain
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

“You could have a hoarse voice, ear pain, or a sore throat that doesn’t quit,” Morlandt said. “This cancer can also present as white or red patches that won’t go away or a sore that bleeds and will not heal.”

“If you notice something lingers more than a couple of weeks, you should get screened right away,” he said.

How to help prevent oral cancer

While not every case can be prevented, several steps can reduce risk.

Avoid tobacco products, including cigarettes and chewing tobacco. Limit alcohol consumption, protect your lips and skin from excessive sun exposure, and maintain a healthy diet.

Vaccination against HPV is also an important preventive measure. Studies have shown that reducing HPV infection can help lower the risk of certain HPV-related cancers.

Why oral cancer screenings matter

Oral cancer screenings are a simple but important part of preventive health care. Patients should contact a health care provider if they develop symptoms such as persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, ear pain, or swollen lymph nodes.

“Your dentist also plays an important role in detection since every dental appointment presents an opportunity to be screened,” Morlandt said.

In addition to regular dental visits, monthly self-examinations can help people become familiar with their mouths and identify changes that warrant professional evaluation. Look for unusual sores, swelling, red patches, white patches, or other changes that do not resolve normally.

Specialized oral cancer care at UAB

UAB provides specialized care for patients diagnosed with oral cancer and other head and neck conditions.

A multidisciplinary UAB Medicine and UAB Dentistry team includes surgeons, prosthodontists, physician assistants, nurse coordinators, and other specialists who work together to coordinate care and support patients throughout treatment. Advanced technologies, including 3D surgical planning and navigation, help support precise surgical treatment and reconstruction when needed.

Early detection can save lives

Like many forms of cancer, oral cancer is most treatable when diagnosed early. Paying attention to symptoms, attending regular dental and medical appointments, and reducing known risk factors can help protect both your oral health and your overall well-being.

If you notice a sore, lump, red or white patch, or another unusual change that does not go away, do not wait. Early evaluation may make all the difference.

Cleft lip and palate are among the most common craniofacial birth differences, affecting about 6,000 to 8,000 babies in the United States each year. Chung H. Kau, BDS, MScD, Ph.D., of UAB Dentistry Orthodontics works with more than 100 of these infants annually through the Cleft and Craniofacial Center at Children’s of Alabama. The center has introduced newer appliances that can reduce the number of clinic visits by half.

Cleft lip and cleft palate defects

Cleft diagnosis begins in utero, Kau explains. You can look at a prenatal diagnosis and see the cleft lip on an ultrasound. The cleft of the lip forms during the early trimester. It can be caused by various factors: genetics, alcohol, smoking, or medications.

“Basically, the embryological parts of the midface don’t really come together,” Kau said. It’s part of the formation of the face, and some kind of disruption happens that stops the lip and palate from forming.

It can happen just in the lip, it can happen on one side or both sides, and it can happen right through the gums and affect the back side of the soft palate. When you look down the cleft, you’ll see right to the base of the nose.

“This causes multiple problems,” Kau said. Babies can’t put their lips together, so they have feeding problems. Milk comes out through their nose. They’re very uncomfortable.

Treatment of cleft lip and palate

“The first thing we do is try to bring the cleft closer together,” Kau said. Most cleft lips are repaired at about four months, the soft palate at twelve months, and then nothing else happens in terms of orthodontics until about seven or eight years of age. They have to go through speech therapy, dental care, and some revisions to the lip.

“My job is to maximize the care during the first four months of their life,” he said.

Early treatment focuses on bringing the cleft closer together so the surgeon can more easily repair the lip and shape the nose. One of the simplest approaches is placing surgical tape across the cleft site. After a period of time, the cleft is reduced, and the tissues are brought into closer alignment.

In lay terms, that essentially means the tissues are “touching” one another, Kau noted.

Each child begins with a taping process to bring the tissues close together. If this process is tolerated well by the baby and the parents, treatment progresses to a feeding plate with nasal support. This technique is called the nasal alveolar molding (NAM) plate. It has the advantage of approximating the gums, lips, and nose to a more natural position.

In circumstances where the cleft is on two sides, or bilateral, the taping and plate significantly bring the front portions of the lip and nose down and lengthen it. As a result, the surgeon does not have to locate additional tissue to bring the lips together during repair. All these surgical improvements are performed by plastic surgeon John Grant, who is an experienced surgeon with excellent outcomes.

Care during infancy

As soon as the parents present in the clinic with their baby, Kau encourages them to immediately start the process of taping the lip. This brings all the soft tissues really close together.

“The way I describe it to them is that you have an opportunity to get on a bus to go to a destination, which you will reach in about four months,” Kau said. “You have the right to get off at any time. But if you miss the bus, you’ll miss the opportunity.”

As mentioned, if the taping process goes well, we proceed with the NAM plate.

Care after the first year

Orthodontists provide care during infancy, then again between about ages seven and eleven. The cleft may be repaired, but the bony structures of the teeth and surrounding areas are not.

As clinicians, the bony components of the gums are not repaired in infancy because facial growth must continue, and early repair can restrict that development, Kau said.

The team works with UAB Dentistry maxillofacial surgeon Kathlyn Powell, who performs the repair. She takes bone from the child’s hip and places it in the cleft site before closing it. Orthodontic care then focuses on aligning the teeth to support proper eruption.

In some circumstances, a rigid external device (RED) is used, which acts as an anchor at the front of the face while the mid-face is gradually moved forward. After surgery, healing begins, and the mid-face is advanced about a millimeter a day. Once the bite is positive and changes in facial structure are visible, the procedure is considered successful. The child looks more like their peers at school.

Care team and patient experience

The team sees about 60 to 80 cleft lip and palate births at Children’s Hospital each year, along with another 60 to 80 adoptions from other countries, which they help support, Kau said. Care continues in multiple ways each year of a patient’s life, from infancy through about age 20.

As an orthodontist and dentist, Kau says his role is to first give patients the function to eat and then to help build confidence in their smile. It comes down to function, aesthetics, and confidence.

The role of appearance and confidence

A lot of how a person develops begins in the formative years when they first go to school, Kau explained. From about ages seven to eleven, many social factors come into play, and much of how people are perceived is based on the face and lower portion of the face. It plays a significant role.

For these patients, the changes in facial structure can shift how they see themselves and how others respond to them. They may change their hairstyle or begin using makeup as they grow.

“Really, we get to change lives, and that’s very, very rewarding,” Kau said. “I’m an orthodontist. My job is to make teeth straight and create smiles. But this aspect of clinical care is the part where orthodontics truly becomes medicine.

Choosing the right toothbrush may seem simple, but when it comes to maintaining good oral health, the choice between electric and manual toothbrushes can make a difference.

Amy Cooper, RDH, a dental hygienist at UAB Dentistry Dothan, notes that the American Dental Association (ADA) endorses both electric and manual toothbrushes for plaque removal. She emphasizes that the most important factor is not just the tool you use, but how you use it.

What matters most: How you brush

“The best toothbrush is the one you use consistently and accurately,” Cooper said. “Electric toothbrushes can offer some advantages for certain people.”

"The best toothbrush is the one you use consistently and accurately." — Amy Cooper, RDH

Electric toothbrushes can be especially helpful for people with limited manual dexterity, such as young children or older adults, as well as patients who tend to brush too hard and risk enamel damage. Many electric toothbrushes include timers, pressure sensors, and multiple cleaning modes, which can support a more thorough clean.

“For people who brush quickly or miss spots, the technology of today’s electric toothbrushes can help improve overall oral health,” Cooper points out.

Why manual toothbrushes still work

Manual toothbrushes, however, remain an effective and reliable option. They are affordable, easy to travel with, and do not require charging.

“With good technique, brushing for two full minutes and reaching all areas of the mouth, a manual toothbrush can be just as effective as an electric one,” she said.

Good brushing habits matter most

Regardless of which type of toothbrush you choose, Cooper recommends brushing at least twice a day for two minutes each time. She also advises using a soft-bristled brush to protect gums and replacing your toothbrush or electric brush head every three to four months. Daily flossing is also essential for maintaining oral health.

“A lot of people are surprised to hear that technique is more important than the brush itself,” Cooper shared. “Taking your time, using gentle pressure, and covering every tooth makes the real difference.”

Choosing what works for you

Electric toothbrushes can also be beneficial for people with braces or other dental appliances, as they can help clean around brackets and wires more effectively. Ultimately, the best choice comes down to personal preference and what helps you maintain consistent, effective brushing habits.

Whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush, good oral hygiene practice is key to a healthy smile.

Oral health after 60: Common dental concerns for older adults

As people age, their oral health needs often change, making preventive dental care and routine dental visits especially important after age 60. Many older adults experience concerns such as dry mouth, gum disease, tooth loss, or denture-related issues, but these conditions can often be prevented or managed with the right care.

To better understand common dental concerns for older adults, warning signs to watch for, and ways to maintain oral health with age, we spoke with Nathan Smith, D.M.D., M.P.H., a UAB Dentistry clinical expert with an interest in oral health and aging.

Certain oral health conditions become more common with age

Several conditions become more common with age, including cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, dry mouth, and tooth wear.

“These conditions are common, but they aren’t inevitable,” Dr. Smith said. “With early intervention and preventive care, many of them can be managed effectively.”

Medications and chronic health conditions can affect oral health

Age-related factors can significantly influence oral health, particularly through dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. This condition is often linked to medications or systemic health issues.

“Xerostomia can lead to pain, discomfort, and an increased risk for dental caries,” Dr. Smith explained. “In severe cases, it can make eating and swallowing difficult, which may ultimately contribute to malnutrition.”

Physical limitations can also affect daily oral hygiene.

“Conditions like arthritis can limit hand strength and dexterity, making brushing and flossing more challenging,” he added.

Pain, discomfort, and dry mouth should not be ignored

Dr. Smith encourages patients to pay attention to pain, persistent discomfort, or dryness that interferes with eating or swallowing.

“These signs shouldn’t be ignored,” he said. “They often indicate a condition that needs professional evaluation.”

Prevention becomes increasingly important after age 60

Preventive dental care remains essential throughout life, but it becomes even more important as we age. Dr. Smith highlights fluoride use, daily oral hygiene, and regular dental visits as key strategies.

“Routine visits allow us to identify problems early, when treatment is often simpler and outcomes are better,” he said. [

Certain symptoms warrant prompt evaluation

Patients should schedule a dental evaluation if they experience pain when biting or chewing, unexplained oral pain, or noticeable changes in the color or texture of the lips, tongue, or tissue inside the mouth.

“These changes can signal underlying conditions that are best treated early,” Dr. Smith said.

Losing your teeth does not eliminate the need for dental care

Dr. Smith often hears patients say they no longer need dental visits if they have lost their natural teeth.

“That’s not true,” he said. “Even without teeth, regular visits are important to check oral tissues, ensure dentures fit properly, and screen for disease.”

Adaptive tools can make oral hygiene easier

Dr. Smith recommends adaptive tools such as electric toothbrushes, flossing aids, and interdental cleaners.

“Simple modifications can also help,” he said. “Items like bicycle handles, pool noodle floats, or even aluminum foil can improve grip and make brushing easier.”

Managing dry mouth requires both symptom relief and prevention

Managing dry mouth should focus on symptom relief and prevention. Dr. Smith recommends maintaining proper hydration, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and discussing appropriate over-the-counter mouth rinses, gels, sugar-free gum, or lozenges with a dental provider.

Proper denture care helps prevent complications

Dr. Smith uses a simple analogy to help patients remember proper denture care.

“Ask yourself if you would sleep with your shoes on,” he said. “Leaving dentures in overnight can lead to infection and discomfort.”

He also advises cleaning dentures daily with a soft-bristle denture brush and soaking them overnight in water with a denture cleaning tablet. Bleach should never be used, as it can damage the prosthesis.

A few simple habits can help protect oral health

Dr. Smith points to a few essential habits:

• Maintain regular dental visits, even if you no longer have natural teeth.
• Brush twice a day for two minutes.
• Floss daily.
• Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet.

Together, these habits support comfort, function, and quality of life and play an important role in healthy aging.

Understanding dental insurance can feel overwhelming — but knowing how to use your benefits wisely can help you save money and keep your smile healthy. Jacquiselyn Story, director of the UAB Dentistry Business Office, shares key insights to help patients navigate their dental insurance benefits and avoid unexpected costs.

"Dental insurance coverage is great for maintaining good oral health, but it’s important to know what your plan covers and what it doesn’t," said Story. "Being proactive can make a big difference in your dental care and your wallet."

Know your dental insurance plan basics

First, it’s important to understand a few key terms commonly found in dental insurance plans:

• Premium: The amount you pay monthly for your insurance.
• Deductible: The amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance starts to share costs.
• Co-pay or co-insurance: The percentage or flat fee you pay for certain services.
• Annual maximum: The total amount your insurance will pay in a year.

"Many dental plans cover preventive services like cleanings at 100%, but treatments like fillings, crowns, or root canals often have co-pays," Story explained. "So knowing these details can help you plan for the year ahead."

Take advantage of preventive care

Most dental insurance plans fully cover two preventive visits per year — including cleanings, exams, and X-rays.

"Preventive care is one of the smartest ways to use your benefits," Story noted. "It helps catch problems early, when treatment is simpler and less expensive."

Skipping cleanings and exams could mean missing out on covered services you've already paid for through your premiums.

Don’t let dental insurance benefits go unused

Many plans have an annual maximum benefit amount — and unused benefits often do not roll over to the next year.

"If you need treatment, it’s a good idea to schedule it before the end of your plan year so you can use those benefits," Story said. "Waiting could mean higher out-of-pocket costs later on."

Planning early, especially for larger treatments, can help patients spread out costs, including any co-pays and deductibles, while maximizing their insurance coverage.

Ask questions and stay informed

Dental insurance plans can vary widely between employers and carriers. Story encourages patients to review their policy documents and reach out to their provider if they have questions.

"Our team is here to help our UAB Dentistry patients understand their dental insurance benefits and make informed choices about their care," she said. "The more you know about your dental insurance coverage, the better you can plan for a healthy smile."

Can You Skip the Dentist? Why Regular Dental Checkups Matter

In the chaos of daily life, it is easy to skip routine dental appointments, especially when your teeth seem to be in good shape. However, postponing regular dental visits can allow oral health problems to develop unnoticed, leading to issues that may require more extensive treatment later.

Elyse Dengler, D.M.D., a general dentistry expert with UAB Dentistry, says patients should think twice before skipping a dental checkup.

“The obvious reason to go to the dentist is so that we can check the teeth, but we also identify and fix problems,” Dengler said. “If left untreated, dental issues can get very serious.”

Why regular dental cleanings are important

Dentists typically recommend dental cleanings and examinations every six months.

When patients skip routine visits, they miss the opportunity to remove plaque and tartar buildup that cannot be eliminated through brushing and flossing alone. Professional cleanings help protect teeth and gums while allowing providers to identify concerns before they become larger problems.

Regular visits also provide peace of mind that your oral health is on track.

Preventing costly dental problems

One of the biggest benefits of preventive dental care is catching issues early.

“In the United States, adults lose an estimated 243 million hours of work or school each year due to dental issues,” Dengler said.

Regular dental visits can help identify cavities, gum disease, and other concerns before they require more involved and costly treatment. Prevention is often far less expensive and less invasive than treatment after a condition has progressed.

The connection between oral health and overall health

Oral health does not exist in isolation.

“Oral health is connected to overall health. There are many diseases that are influenced by the mouth, and vice versa,” Dengler said.

Research continues to demonstrate relationships between oral health and a variety of health conditions, including diabetes, chronic kidney disease, osteoporosis, sleep disorders, and cognitive conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental visits can play an important role in supporting overall wellness.

Dental visits can identify hidden problems

Routine examinations provide an opportunity to identify issues that patients may not notice on their own.

“Sometimes we find undiagnosed conditions. For example, your dentist will do an oral cancer screening to check for abnormalities in the mouth, neck, and throat,” Dengler said. “If something abnormal is found, your provider will recommend further testing or refer you to a specialist.”

Early detection can improve outcomes and may help patients address potential concerns before they become more serious.

Don't wait until something hurts

Many dental problems develop gradually and may not cause pain until they become advanced.

Scheduling routine dental visits allows providers to monitor your oral health, address concerns early, and help prevent future complications.

If it has been a while since your last dental checkup, now may be a good time to schedule a cleaning and examination to help keep your smile healthy and identify potential problems before they worsen.

More Patient Education

Tooth Decay and Cavities

Healthy Teeth for Kids: Oral Health Tips by Age

Developing your child's dental routine can feel overwhelming, especially for new parents. Taking care of your child's teeth from the very beginning helps guide permanent teeth into proper alignment while establishing healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

Starting a dental care routine early helps reduce bacteria and plaque buildup and lowers the risk of cavities, one of the most common childhood health concerns.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cavities remain the most common chronic infectious disease among children in the United States.

Yu-Yin Lin, D.D.S., a pediatric dentistry expert with the UAB Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry clinic, shares age-specific guidance to help parents build strong oral health habits from infancy through adolescence.

Oral health for babies and toddlers (birth to age 2)

Start dental care before the first tooth

It is important to begin oral care as early as possible.

“Before brushing is introduced, parents can start using gauze or washcloths to wipe the gums,” Lin said. “This can become a part of the bedtime routine, so children get used to the habit of ‘brushing,’ so it isn’t a surprise when their first tooth comes in.”

Your child should see a dentist by their first birthday.

“When your baby’s first tooth does come in, you should begin brushing it immediately,” Lin said. “You should brush with a soft bristle toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste using the size of a grain of rice.”

Prevent cavities through healthy feeding habits

Total sugars are sugars naturally present in many foods and beverages such as fruits and milk. Added sugar is sugar that is added during the processing of foods such as honey, concentrated fruit juices, and desserts.Limiting sugary foods and beverages early can help protect developing teeth.

“We discourage juice before age one and restrict added sugar for children under two,” Lin said. “That means no sweet beverage before age two, and if you do give your child some make sure it is 100 percent fruit juice.”

Parents should also avoid dipping pacifiers into sugar and should not allow children to fall asleep with milk bottles.

“An important thing to know is that babies should not be sleeping with milk,” Lin said. “If your baby needs a bottle to go to sleep, you should only be using water. The sugar in milk sitting on the teeth all night turns into acids, which can erode the enamel.”

Building healthy dental habits for preschoolers (ages 2 to 5)

Brushing twice a day

During the preschool years, brushing twice daily becomes especially important.

“If your child is not used to their dental routine yet and does not want to brush twice a day, be sure to brush at night to clean off what they have eaten throughout the day,” Lin said.

“In this case, bacteria aren’t growing and causing damage to their teeth while they sleep. Once your child accepts this routine, then introduce a second brushing in the morning.”

Children over age 3 can begin using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Choosing tooth-friendly snacks

Diet plays an important role in preventing cavities.

Lin recommends limiting sugar and restricting snacks to no more than three times per day.

“Choose snacks that don’t remain in the teeth for a while,” she said. “Avoid sticky or starchy foods and opt for calcium-rich foods such as cheese or yogurt. Also, incorporate crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery.”

Other healthy snack options include:

• Nuts
• Homemade smoothies with limited sugar
• Avocados

Protecting school-age children's teeth

Supervise brushing and encourage consistency

Parents should continue supervising brushing until children are approximately 7 or 8 years old.

“If your child is struggling to maintain a routine, consult with your dentist to create a personalized plan that suits their lifestyle,” Lin said.

Children who participate in sports should also wear a mouthguard to help prevent dental injuries.

Limit sugary drinks and sports drinks

Lin recommends avoiding carbonated beverages and limiting sports drinks and juice whenever possible.

“If you purchase sports drinks for your child, consider getting a smaller bottle or opting for zero sugar,” she said. “Children will not often finish the whole bottle and instead drink it throughout the day. If the sports drink has sugar in it, they are exposing their teeth to sugar over and over.”

“Sports drinks are for sports practices. Your child should be drinking water the rest of the day.”

The benefits of fluoride and tap water

Drinking water helps support good oral health, especially when it contains fluoride.

“Bottled water has very little fluoride so tap water is a great low-cost way to protect your teeth,” Lin said. “If your community doesn’t have fluoridated water, try toothpaste with fluoride to receive the benefits and talk to your dentist on different ways to keep teeth healthy.”

Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and makes teeth more resistant to decay.

Creating healthy smiles that last a lifetime

Good oral health starts early. Establishing daily brushing habits, providing healthy snacks, encouraging water consumption, and scheduling routine dental visits can help children maintain healthy smiles throughout childhood and beyond.

More Patient Education

Why Age 7? UAB Dentistry Experts Explain the Importance of Early Orthodontic Visits

How to keep your child’s smile healthy during the summer

Tooth Decay and Cavities: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

When you drink cold water or a hot cup of coffee, do your teeth feel sensitive? Or when you take a bite of food, do you notice a lingering toothache? If so, you may be experiencing tooth decay.

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, develops when bacteria in the mouth create acids that damage tooth enamel. Diet, oral hygiene habits, saliva, and the overall oral environment all play a role in cavity formation.

Emerson Martins, D.D.S., M.S.c., Ph.D., a restorative dentistry expert with UAB Dentistry, explains how tooth decay occurs, how to recognize the warning signs, and what patients can do to prevent cavities before they become serious problems.

What causes tooth decay?

“Our mouth environment is always changing, and our saliva’s pH plays a big role in the dental caries,” Martins said. “If the pH decreases, the tooth will lose vital minerals and the decaying process begins.”

Acidic foods and beverages can lower the pH in the mouth, increasing the risk of tooth demineralization and cavity formation.

“For example, if you drink something that lowers your pH, you should rinse your mouth with water and use a dental product that contains fluoride to raise your pH and protect your teeth,” he said.

Martins recommends drinking tap water as a source of fluoride, which helps strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay.

The stages of tooth decay

Tooth decay develops gradually and can become increasingly serious if left untreated.

Martins outlines six stages of tooth decay:

Stage 1: White spots
Stage 2: Enamel decay
Stage 3: Tissue (dentin) decay
Stage 4: Involving the innermost layer (pulp) of the tooth
Stage 5: Abscess formation
Stage 6: Tooth loss

Identifying decay early can help prevent progression to more extensive treatment needs.

Can cavities be reversed?

The good news is that early tooth decay can sometimes be reversed.

“If you notice signs of decay, your dentist can prescribe fluoride treatments like mouthwash to reverse early tooth decay,” Martins said. “You'll probably need a filling if you have a hole (cavity) in your tooth. If tooth decay has reached the soft tissue (pulp) in the middle of your tooth, you may need root canal treatment.”

While very early decay may be reversible, deeper cavities cannot be reversed once significant tooth structure has been lost. Professional treatment is needed to stop the damage and restore the tooth.

Signs and symptoms of a cavity

If tooth decay progresses, patients may experience:

• Toothache
• Tooth sensitivity
• Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot, or cold
• Visible holes in the teeth
• Brown, black, or white staining on the tooth surface
• Pain when biting down

Patients who notice these symptoms should schedule a dental evaluation as soon as possible.

How to prevent cavities

Preventing tooth decay is often simpler and less costly than treating it.

“You can prevent tooth decay by avoiding sugary drinks, brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and flossing once a day,” Martins said.

He also emphasizes the importance of managing carbohydrate intake and avoiding nighttime snacking.

“Avoiding dental caries is very simple with diet control. Managing when eating/drinking carbohydrates, brushing twice a day and flossing, and especially avoiding snacking before bed,” Martins said.

Modern approaches to cavity prevention

“At UAB Dentistry, we focus on gentle and effective treatments to keep your teeth healthy,” Martins said. “Instead of aggressive methods, we aim to prevent damage and, when necessary, make repairs rather than replacements.”

He notes that products designed to strengthen enamel and emerging technologies aimed at supporting tooth remineralization continue to expand treatment options for patients.

Why patient education matters

Martins believes prevention begins with education.

“Educating our population is the most important thing,” Martins said. “As dentists, we should invest more time in preventing these issues.”

He encourages patients to view cavity prevention as a partnership between dental professionals and individuals. By adopting healthy habits and seeking regular dental care, many cases of tooth decay can be avoided altogether.

More Patient Education

Why Regular Dental Checkups Matter