Dental cavities are a very common problem which affect most people. Detecting them at an early state is important. While X-rays can help to detect cavities, it is not immediate. Now, a new tool has been developed which aims to help dentists and patients detect tooth decay themselves, which would aid early detection and treatment.
Dental cavities are very common among all age groups. They are caused by tooth decay and require a filling to repair the cavity and restore the tooth’s structure.
In cases where cavities are on visible surfaces of the teeth, dentists can easily spot them. However, spotting cavities in between our teeth requires the use of X-rays.
Despite X-rays being very useful, by the point that they catch cavities, about 30% of the tooth enamel in the area of the cavity has been compromised [1]. Unfortunately, by this point a lot of damage has been done.
Now, in an effort to solve this problem, a scientist has designed a tool that can help dentists and patients to detect decay between teeth – which could be detected before it would ever show on an X-ray [1].
This is a very interesting creation. It could aid with early intervention into tooth problems, which could prevent further damage to teeth.
About cavities
Dental cavities are the most common noncommunicable disease worldwide, according to the World Health Organization [2].
Moreover, research shows that tooth decay affects almost 90% of American adults between the ages of 20 and 64 [3].
Cavities are caused by a range of factors. These are primarily plaque, bacteria, and sugar. Decay happens when bacteria in the mouth metabolize sugars to produce acid that demineralizes enamel [2].
Tooth decay is a common oral health problem. It causes pain, sensitivity and can cause an infection. In some cases, teeth need to be extracted.
Tooth decay has wider implications too. For example, tooth decay impacts the economy through work illness and is associated with low school attendance and poor performance [4].
Development of a new tool
As mentioned, dentists require the use of X-rays to spot tooth decay between teeth. But by this point, it has already compromised part of the enamel. Therefore, any chance of catching the problem earlier has vanished by this point.
This problem though served as a stimulus for Gili Naveh, who is a qualified dentist. She now works as an Associate Professor of Orthodontics at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine [1].
Naveh recalled when she first spotted an opportunity to address the problem. This involved a conversation with the parents of a patient who detailed their frustration at the number of fillings their child kept needing [1].
Naveh says that the family had “tried everything their pediatric dentist told them, but every time they would go for an exam, the dentist would find so many new cavities” [1].
Naveh designed a simple tool to solve this problem. She calls it CaviSense, with the tool aimed at dentists and patients [1]. The idea is that the tool will help dentists and patients to detect tooth decay at an early stage.
This would mean that dentists could potentially treat and reverse any early damage without needing to add a filling to the area.
Naveh has spoken about the problem that this causes. She points out that “every tooth that you drill into, the restoration that you make is never for life” [1].
Continuing, Naveh says “it will eventually fail, and you will need to replace it and make an even bigger restoration” [1]. Naveh says “if we can catch cavities earlier and prevent drilling, it will prolong the lifespan of our teeth” [1].
How does the tool work?
The tool involves the pH scale. This scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. In this case, the scale revolves around the saliva in the mouth.
A healthy mouth will typically have a pH level of around 7. But when the pH drops below 6.2, it becomes more acidic, thereby creating an environment which allows harmful bacteria to flourish.
When the mouth’s pH drops below 5.5, the process of demineralization happens [1]. Therefore, Naveh’s tool detects when the mouth’s acidity crosses this threshold.
Firstly, the patient should eat a sugary gummy. Any harmful bacteria on the teeth will rapidly digest this sugar and secrete acids [1]. Then it will be time to utilize the tool.
The tool takes the form of a toothpick. The user can slide the thin tool between the teeth they are worried about. Then, they are instructed to look at the tool.
If the tool turns from purple to yellow, it indicates that the pH level is below 5.5 – which is a dangerous level [1].
This will immediately alert the person that they need to regulate the pH level in their mouth quickly. They could swirl water around their mouth, drink water, or chew sugar free gum to help this.
Summary
The tool certainly has the potential to be very effective in improving oral health. Having a cheap and easy to use tool can clearly be helpful.
By catching tooth decay early, a dentist wouldn’t necessarily need to put in a filling. A remineralization treatment could be used instead, which means no drilling [1].
Naveh points out that the tool means “both the dentist and patient can see that there is a surface between the teeth that is demineralizing, and some patients appreciate an objective tool that they can see with their own eyes” [1].
The tool is already available to purchase from CaviSense’s website. Naveh aims to leverage this technology further in the future and create further products.
Overall, Naveh says that “everybody will be happier, kids, parents, and even dentists because they’ll be able to provide quicker, better treatments to help more patients” [1]. Evidently, it is a great innovation for all involved.
Thinking points…
[1] A consistent theme throughout this article is the importance of early detection. As mentioned earlier, dentists can spot cavities through clear signs, or via an X-ray. If left untreated, problems will worsen, resulting in pain and possible infection. Therefore, it is important to attend a dental clinic regularly for a check-up, as a dentist will be able to take a thorough look at your oral health, spot any issues, and act accordingly. We recommend that you book an appointment now!
[2] If you are interested in purchasing this product, it is on sale now. As mentioned above, there are a range of benefits to the tool. It is effective for both children and adults. To find out more, the website link is https://cavisense.com/products/cavisense-toothpick-5-pack.
What we offer at Taradale Dental
Taradale Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. At our Calgary dental clinic, we provide a range of services for our patients.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
Here at Taradale Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
Moreover, the fees of our treatments at our Calgary dental clinic Taradale Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing, with no hidden costs.
We hope to see you soon at our Taradale Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://taradaledental.ca/!
References
[1] Castanon, L. (2025). Catching Cavities Before They Start. Available: https://now.tufts.edu/2025/03/28/catching-cavities-they-start. Last accessed: 10th May 2025.
[2] World Health Organization. (2017). Sugars and dental caries. Available: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sugars-and-dental-caries. Last accessed: 10th May 2025.
[3] National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2025). Dental Caries (Tooth Decay) in Adults (Ages 20 to 64 Years). Available: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/dental-caries/adults. Last accessed: 10th May 2025.
[4] Rebelo, M., Vieira, J., Pereira, J., et al. (2019). Does oral health influence school performance and school attendance? A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry. 29 (2): p138-148. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ipd.12441.
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