Tooth decay is, also known as cavities, is a frequent dental issue affecting people of all ages. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options will help you stay in good oral health and avoid more serious problems.
Tooth Decay Symptoms
Identifying early tooth decay issues can help you get faster treatment and better results. Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Toothache: Regular pain or discomfort in the tooth.
- Sensitivity: Extreme pain or discomfort when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages.
- Visible Holes or Pits: Small holes in the teeth.
- Staining: Brown, black, or white spots on the tooth’s surface.
- Bad Breath: An unpleasant odour that remains even after brushing.
- Unpleasant Taste: An unpleasant taste in the tongue that does not go away.
Tooth Decay Causes
Cavities are caused by Plaque accumulation, which results in a sticky layer of germs on teeth. Tooth decay is mostly caused by the following factors:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: When we neglect brushing and flossing, plaque collects and produces acids that damage tooth enamel.
- Diet: Eating foods high in sugar and starch promotes the growth of oral bacteria, which in turn produces acid that damages teeth.
- Lack of Fluoride: Fluoride strengthens and increases the opposition of tooth enamel to decay.
- Dry Mouth: Saliva in mouth helps in wash away food particles and balance acids; less saliva produced can raise the risk of decay.
- Bacteria: Specific oral bacteria are responsible for converting glucose into acids, which erode tooth enamel.
Tooth Decay Treatment
The usual method of treating tooth decay is extracting the affected area and filling it in with an appropriate substance. Common treatments include:
- Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride is a treatment that can help reverse decay and repair enamel in teeth that are in the early stages of decay.
- Fillings: Treatments known as fillings are the most popular. They entail extracting the decayed portion of the tooth and using composite resin, amalgam, porcelain, or gold to fill the cavity.
- Crowns: A crown or cap is used for resorting shape and function of a tooth that has experienced more extensive decay,
- Root Canals: If the cavities has reached the pulp, the tooth’s interior portion, a root canal helps remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.
- Tooth Extraction: In extreme conditions where the tooth is not salvageable, extraction may be required. Bridges or implants may then be used as alternatives to replace the lost tooth.
How to stop Tooth Decay
Prevention is the best medicine for preventing tooth cavities. The below advice will help you maintain the health of your teeth:
- Brush Twice a Day: Spend at least two minutes brushing using fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss Daily: Floss daily to get food particles and plaque out from between teeth.
- Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: Reduce the amount of sugary snacks and drinks you consume.
- Visit the Dentist Regularly: Frequent cleanings and examinations can identify deterioration early on and stop other issues.
- Use Fluoride Products: Fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouthwashes can help make your teeth stronger.
Sum Up:
You can control tooth cavities and keep your smile healthy by identifying the signs, comprehending the causes, and getting the right therapy. Maintaining long-term dental health and preventing cavities require routine dental care and appropriate oral hygiene habits.